emirates7 - The UAE has officially joined the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) under Federal Decree No. 165 of 2024, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the nation's role in polar science.
Membership in the ATS enables the UAE to advance its Emirates Polar Programme, launched in November, which aims to enhance polar research. The Treaty ensures freedom for scientific exploration in Antarctica, fosters international collaboration, and promotes engagement with specialized organizations like the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
By becoming a party to the Treaty, the UAE can participate in Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, propose national research initiatives for review, and establish a physical presence in Antarctica.
Mariam AlMheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of this step, stating, “The Antarctic Treaty System aligns with the UAE’s vision of collective action to address the pressing challenges of climate change.”
She noted that joining the Treaty enables the UAE to form partnerships for collaborative polar research, conduct international polar missions, and contribute to environmental conservation efforts in polar regions.
A key goal of the Emirates Polar Programme is establishing a UAE presence in both Antarctica and the Arctic. The Treaty facilitates on-site research in Antarctica, and efforts are already underway to prepare Emirati scientists for participation in global polar expeditions. Recently, two Emirati scientists embarked on a mission to Antarctica, with an Arctic mission planned for the summer of 2025.
AlMheiri added, “The UAE is dedicated to developing national scientific expertise, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science, and leading global climate action. Acceding to the ATS represents a pivotal step in addressing the global climate crisis and staying at the forefront of scientific innovation.”
The UAE’s accession to the Treaty was formalized on 11th December 2024 through the U.S. Department of State. This development follows invitations for the UAE to join the Antarctica InSync programme and the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
The Emirates Polar Programme is spearheaded by the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and ATRC.
The programme includes the establishment of a Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University, bringing together scientists and experts to tackle key challenges in polar science.
Membership in the ATS enables the UAE to advance its Emirates Polar Programme, launched in November, which aims to enhance polar research. The Treaty ensures freedom for scientific exploration in Antarctica, fosters international collaboration, and promotes engagement with specialized organizations like the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
By becoming a party to the Treaty, the UAE can participate in Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, propose national research initiatives for review, and establish a physical presence in Antarctica.
Mariam AlMheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of this step, stating, “The Antarctic Treaty System aligns with the UAE’s vision of collective action to address the pressing challenges of climate change.”
She noted that joining the Treaty enables the UAE to form partnerships for collaborative polar research, conduct international polar missions, and contribute to environmental conservation efforts in polar regions.
A key goal of the Emirates Polar Programme is establishing a UAE presence in both Antarctica and the Arctic. The Treaty facilitates on-site research in Antarctica, and efforts are already underway to prepare Emirati scientists for participation in global polar expeditions. Recently, two Emirati scientists embarked on a mission to Antarctica, with an Arctic mission planned for the summer of 2025.
AlMheiri added, “The UAE is dedicated to developing national scientific expertise, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science, and leading global climate action. Acceding to the ATS represents a pivotal step in addressing the global climate crisis and staying at the forefront of scientific innovation.”
The UAE’s accession to the Treaty was formalized on 11th December 2024 through the U.S. Department of State. This development follows invitations for the UAE to join the Antarctica InSync programme and the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
The Emirates Polar Programme is spearheaded by the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and ATRC.
The programme includes the establishment of a Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University, bringing together scientists and experts to tackle key challenges in polar science.