2 UAE citizens to go on Antarctic mission as new polar research project announced

The UAE will be exploring the Earth's polar zones in a new environmental and scientific mission, it was announced on Wednesday. Two Emiratis, both weather experts, are bound for Antarctica today, November 7, as part of the new polar research project.

With the Emirates Polar Programme, the UAE digs deeper into the study of the planet's north and south poles — the Arctic and the Antarctic region, recognising the importance of these areas in environmental science.

Another goal is to also equip with Emirati scientists with the skills to take part in international polar missions, said Mariam Almheiri, head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and chair of the 'UAE Polar Mission steering Committee'.

By next year, the UAE will be present in both north and south poles.

Besides the two Emiratis who are going to Antarctica today, "another mission is scheduled for the Arctic in the summer of 2025", Almheiri said.

As part of the project's initial phase, the 'Polar Research Centre' was established at Khalifa University, building strategic international partnerships, signing relevant treaties, and joining international polar missions.

The project incorporates inputs from scientists, experts, and diplomats to define key research priorities encompassing scientific, technological, and commercial applications.

It was developed over the past year through a collaboration among the International Affairs Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and Khalifa University.