Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has invited companies to bid for the rehabilitation and maintenance of rain enhancement (cloud-seeding) stations in Oman for 2026, 2027 and 2028, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s water reserves and improve the readiness of its artificial rain enhancement network.

The ministry has set November 9, 2026 as the deadline for submitting bids.

The move comes as Oman continues to invest in rain enhancement technology as one of several measures aimed at supporting water security and increasing the benefits derived from rainfall. The programme complements other water management initiatives, including dams, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge projects.

Oman currently has 14 rain enhancement stations located across several mountainous areas. Eleven stations are situated in the Al Hajar mountain range, while two are in Dhofar and one in Musandam.

The stations use ionisation technology to enhance cloud condensation and increase the potential for rainfall from suitable clouds. The locations are selected based on climatic and topographical conditions to maximise the effectiveness of the technology.

The primary objective of the rain enhancement programme is not simply to increase rainfall, but also to support the replenishment of groundwater and strengthen the country’s water reserves. The initiative forms part of Oman’s broader strategy to diversify and sustainably manage its water resources amid challenges posed by limited rainfall and changing climatic conditions.

The rehabilitation and maintenance contract is expected to help ensure that the stations remain operational and efficient, enabling the sultanate to make greater use of favourable weather conditions during the coming years.

With water security becoming an increasingly important priority, Oman is continuing to explore technological solutions that can complement conventional water resources and improve the long-term sustainability of its water supply.