Historic Polar Research Project Sends Emirati Scientists to Antarctica

The Emirates Polar Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to deepen understanding of Earth’s polar regions and amplify Emirati contributions to global climate research, has been launched with two Emirati meteorologists, who will embark on a journey to Antarctica as part of the UAE’s first mission under this program. 

In support of this ambitious program, the UAE has established a state-of-the-art Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University, marking the project’s initial phase. This centre will play a critical role in developing the scientific expertise required for polar exploration, fostering knowledge exchange, and facilitating collaborative research efforts. Through the centre, the UAE has also strengthened international partnerships, signed key treaties, and joined forces with global polar missions to address pressing environmental challenges.

The Emirates Polar Programme represents a coordinated effort by the International Affairs Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and Khalifa University. This interagency collaboration will drive the program’s mission by defining research priorities that cover scientific, technological, and commercial applications. Furthermore, the research undertaken by Emirati scientists will contribute to insights on climate patterns, biodiversity, and the intricate environmental systems that define the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The program’s next mission is scheduled for the Arctic in the summer of 2025.