The UAE has officially acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) under Federal Decree No. 165 of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s expanding role in global polar science, a report from state media said. The move solidifies the UAE’s position on the world stage, advancing its efforts to contribute to critical climate research and international scientific collaboration.
Through this development, the UAE will gain a greater presence in polar research, particularly through its Emirates Polar Program, which launched in November 2024. The ATS, which promotes scientific freedom in Antarctica and fosters global cooperation, offers the UAE the opportunity to participate in Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, submit national research proposals and establish a physical presence on the continent for the first time.
UAE’s drive to counter climate change
Mariam AlMheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, said that the Antarctic Treaty System aligns closely with the UAE’s commitment to collective action in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
“Acceding to the Treaty allows us to forge new partnerships, pursue coordinated research into the drivers of change in the polar regions and actively contribute to the protection of Antarctica,” she stated.
The Emirates Polar Program, a government-led initiative that aims to boost the UAE’s contributions to global climate research, seeks to establish a research presence in both Antarctica and the Arctic. This development will enable UAE scientists to conduct on-the-ground research in Antarctica and participate in international polar missions.
Efforts are already underway to equip Emirati scientists with the necessary expertise and skills to engage in these global initiatives. Notably, two Emirati scientists have already embarked on a mission to Antarctica. In addition, another mission to the Arctic is scheduled for the summer of 2025.
AlMheiri also shared the broader goals of the UAE’s polar initiatives, stating: “We are committed to building national scientific capacity, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, and driving global climate action. Our accession to the ATS is a key step in addressing the global challenges of climate change and staying at the forefront of scientific advancements.”
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UAE’s polar initiative
The UAE’s accession to the Antarctic Treaty took place on December 11, 2024, through the U.S. Department of State. This follows invitations for the UAE to participate in the Antarctica InSync program and the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, further enhancing its involvement in international polar research.
High-profile institutions support the Emirates Polar Program including the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology and the Abu Dhabi Polar Research Center (ATRC). As part of its broader plans, the UAE has also launched a Polar Research Center at Khalifa University to bring together experts and scientists to tackle the challenges of polar science and climate change.
This significant development not only reinforces the UAE’s growing leadership in the global scientific community but also contributes to vital research that will help address the impacts of climate change on the world’s polar regions.
