Aside from notable Emirati mountain-climbing records in Antartica, the UAE is also expanding its scientific footprint in the Arctic and Antarctic through international treaties, research partnerships, exploration programmes, and high-profile expeditions, aiming to advance global climate change research.
The nation’s goal to expand its scientific footprint was strengthened by joining the Antarctic Treaty System in December 2024, which enables it to participate in consultative meetings and propose research initiatives alongside international climate agencies. It has also secured observer status on the Arctic Council under Federal Decree No. 164 of 2024, expanding its involvement in northern environmental discussions.
In 2025, the UAE signed memorandums of understanding with Argentina and New Zealand on Antarctic collaboration. The agreement covers shared research, academic exchanges and training in polar sciences, while prioritizing best-practice frameworks for permanent UAE research laboratories in both Arctic and Antarctic regions.
In addition to academic participations, UAE is also taking steady steps towards active involvement. Two UAE experts, specializing in meteorology and seismic monitoring, joined an expedition last February with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, where they installed two advanced monitoring stations in Antarctica to collect vital data on atmospheric and seismic activities.
Earlier in January, Emirati researchers from Khalifa University also joined India’s 45th Antarctic Expedition at Maitri station, exploring Mars-like landscapes to support research in polar and planetary science. UAE’s growing Prescence in the field has also been marked by notable achievements by its citizens, including 18-year-old Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi who became the youngest Arab woman to reach Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson. This follows a record-breaking mission by Emirati explorer Ibrahim Sharaf Al Hashemi, who circled around Antarctica using two helicopters.
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