The United Arab Emirates has become the first Arab country to join the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, connecting Emirati polar research with an international network studying Antarctica and its effects on the global climate system. The committee brings together researchers working on the continent and tracking changes across its surrounding regions.
The UAE’s membership builds on its commitment to scientific research under the Antarctic Treaty System, which reserves Antarctica for peaceful purposes and guarantees freedom of scientific investigation. The National reported last December that the UAE had made that commitment. The treaty framework described in the report provides for peaceful activity and scientific research on the continent.
Emirati research programme
President Sheikh Mohamed launched the Emirates Polar Programme in 2023, making it central to the UAE’s polar research effort. It places Emirati scientists in international research on Antarctica and the Arctic. The programme’s work will be delivered through the Emirates Polar Programme and the Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University.
Researchers at the centre are developing expertise and working with established polar programmes on environmental monitoring and field research in Antarctica. Through SCAR membership, UAE researchers can join international research and expert groups focused on ice-sheet dynamics, Southern Ocean change, permafrost and geological history. The committee also offers early-career Emirati scientists opportunities to access fellowships, research placements and international scientific exchanges.
Mariam Almheiri, head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and chairwoman of the Emirates Polar Programme Steering Committee, called membership an important milestone. “The UAE's membership in [the committee] marks an important milestone for the Emirates Polar Programme and the development of our national capabilities in polar science,” she said.
She said polar research depends on international co-operation, shared knowledge and long-term partnerships. “Through Scar, we are creating new pathways for Emirati scientists to contribute to international research, work alongside leading scientific institutions and build the expertise that will support the UAE's growing role in polar science,” Almheiri said.
Research and public engagement
Dr Aisha Al Suwaidi, professor of Earth science at Khalifa University, said UAE researchers looked forward to contributing to shared scientific priorities and building partnerships. She also described plans to involve artists and storytellers alongside scientists. “Alongside this scientific endeavour, we are committed to bringing artists and storytellers alongside scientists, so that Antarctica's story reaches our society as well as our laboratories,” she said.
Committee president Gary Wilson said the Emirates Polar Programme already had several Antarctic research programmes. “We look forward to including Emirates researchers across the Scar Research programme and building collaborative research efforts to address globally important challenges,” he said.
Dr Hussain Khansaheb, an Emirati marine engineer, has also taken part in an Antarctic expedition to raise awareness about climate change. He is Dubai Holding’s inaugural National Sustainability Champion and wants to share lessons from his journey with students in the UAE.
Antarctica has no permanent human population. Terrestrial life is minimal. Much of the continent lies more than 500 metres above sea level, and winter temperatures can fall below minus 60°C. Ice accumulated over millions of years holds nearly 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater. As global temperatures rise, changes in Antarctic ice are reshaping oceans and coastlines far beyond the poles.