UAE Expands Arctic and Antarctic Research through Treaty Access and Record Expeditions
Stronger Engagement in Polar Science
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is significantly enhancing its involvement in polar science by entering into treaties, forming international research partnerships, and participating in high-profile expeditions. This initiative seeks to strengthen national capabilities while also contributing to global climate change research focused on both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
In an important step forward, the UAE has officially joined the Antarctic Treaty System, as outlined in Federal Decree No. 165 of 2024. This accession grants the UAE a stake in consultative meetings, where it can propose national research initiatives that align with the goals of international climate agencies.
Expanding Arctic Participation
In conjunction with its involvement in Antarctic research, the UAE has also secured observer status on the Arctic Council, as specified in Federal Decree No. 164 of 2024. This status enables the UAE to engage in northern environmental discussions and partake in future research programs aimed at understanding climate impacts in polar regions.
Collaborative Research Efforts
In February, a team of Emirati meteorologists and seismologists collaborated with a prominent international research entity to install two state-of-the-art monitoring stations in Antarctica. These facilities are designed to gather atmospheric and seismic data, contributing valuable insights into the changing climate.
This partnership continued in November, when the UAE scientific team participated in Bulgaria’s 34th Antarctic expedition, marking their second consecutive year of involvement. Operating through UAE laboratories situated at the Bulgarian base, the team is focused on advancing projects initiated under the UAE Polar Programme in 2024, which emphasizes capacity building in polar science.
Enhancing International Research Collaborations
In 2025, the UAE solidified its intention to enhance Antarctic research cooperation by signing memoranda of understanding with Argentina and New Zealand. These agreements aim to promote academic exchanges, share best practices, and bolster national capabilities in polar sciences. The institutional collaborations signify a commitment to establishing permanent research laboratories in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Notable Achievements in Exploration
The UAE’s expanding presence in polar science is punctuated by remarkable individual accomplishments in extreme exploration. An 18-year-old Emirati mountaineer recently made headlines by becoming the youngest Arab woman to reach the summit of Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak. This achievement underscores the UAE’s growing influence in extreme sports and exploration.
Furthermore, another noteworthy milestone was set by an Emirati explorer who completed the first circular flight around Antarctica using two helicopters. This unprecedented expedition covered over 19,000 kilometers, commencing on December 4, 2024, and concluding on January 17, 2025, with both the start and end points at Union Glacier Camp.
Legacy of Polar Exploration
These advancements and exploratory feats contribute to the legacy of Abdullah Al-Ahbabi, recognized as the first Emirati to achieve the “polar hat-trick.” He accomplished this by skiing unsupported to the North Pole, South Pole, and traversing Greenland. Al-Ahbabi’s North Pole mission took place in 2018, followed by his South Pole journey in 2019, and the crossing of Greenland was completed in March 2025.
Through these initiatives and successes, the UAE is not only bolstering its scientific standing but also playing an essential role in global climate change discourse. The ongoing efforts underline the UAE’s ambition to become a key player in polar research while enhancing its own scientific capabilities.
Published on 1768074794 • Category: Culture & Society, Antarctic, Arctic Ice, climate change, Science, UAE science and technology