The UAE joins the Antarctic Treaty to accelerate climate action

The United Arab Emirates announced its accession to the Antarctic Treaty, pursuant to Federal Decree No. 165 of 2024, which is considered an important step that will support the Emirates Polar Program that was launched in November, which aims to enhance the country’s contributions and presence in the field of polar science and research..

The treaty provides for freedom of scientific research in Antarctica, and strengthens international cooperation in this field by encouraging the establishment of cooperative working relationships with specialized agencies, such as the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research. “SCAR” and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources with scientific or technical interests in Antarctica.

By joining the Antarctic Treaty, the UAE has the opportunity to attend advisory meetings for the Treaty, submit national research proposals for approval or evaluation, as well as establish a physical presence in Antarctica..

Her Excellency Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Head of the International Affairs Office in the Presidential Office, and Chairman of the UAE Arctic and Antarctic Mission Committee, said that the Antarctica Treaty is consistent with the UAE’s vision and its firm belief in the importance of collective action, as an effective tool to overcome the complex challenges posed by climate change..

She added that joining the treaty constitutes a valuable opportunity to establish new cooperation and partnerships to conduct joint research on the factors affecting climate change in the polar regions, in addition to participating in international polar missions and contributing to protecting the region..

She pointed out that the UAE Polar Program aims primarily to establish an actual presence for the UAE in the Antarctic and Antarctic continents, pointing out that the country’s accession to the treaty supports the program in conducting field research in Antarctica, and work is already underway to prepare Emirati scientists and provide them with the necessary skills and experience. To participate in international polar expeditions.

She pointed out that two citizens from the Meteorological Center recently set off on a mission to Antarctica, and another mission is scheduled to be sent to the North Pole by the summer of 2025. .

Her Excellency Al Muhairi stressed that the UAE is committed to building national scientific capabilities, inspiring its future generations to work in the field of science, and supporting global climate action efforts. She said that the country’s accession to the Antarctic Treaty represents an important step that will push these endeavors forward and enable us to address this important global challenge and keep pace with the latest scientific developments. .

The UAE officially joined the Antarctica Treaty on December 11, 2024 through the depository country, the United States of America, through the US Department of State. This accession came following an invitation the country received to participate in the Antarctic Incinc program and the Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition 33..

It is noteworthy that the UAE Polar Program is managed by the Office of International Affairs in the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and the National Center of Meteorology. .

The program includes the establishment of a dedicated center for polar research at Khalifa University that brings together scientists and experts in this field to address challenges in the field of polar science..