UAE strengthens global polar science role in Arctic and Antarctic

January 10, 2026 / 3:00 PM

Sharjah24-WAM: The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its global scientific presence in the Arctic and Antarctic through strategic treaty accessions, international research partnerships, national polar programmes, and landmark individual expeditions focused on climate change research.

The UAE reinforced its role in polar science by acceding to the Antarctic Treaty System under Federal Decree No. 165 of 2024, enabling participation in consultative meetings and the submission of national research proposals. It also secured observer status on the Arctic Council under Federal Decree No. 164 of 2024, expanding its involvement in Arctic environmental dialogue.

Research partnerships and polar programmes

In February, Emirati specialists collaborated with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute to install advanced monitoring stations in Antarctica. The UAE also joined Bulgaria’s 34th Antarctic expedition, advancing projects under the UAE Polar Programme. In 2025, memoranda of understanding with Argentina and New Zealand further expanded cooperation in Antarctic research and capacity-building.

Record-setting exploration

The UAE’s presence was underscored by individual milestones, including Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi becoming the youngest Arab woman to summit Mount Vinson and Ibrahim Sharaf Al Hashemi completing the first circular helicopter flight around Antarctica.