The UAE officially joins the Svalbard Treaty to support scientific research in the Arctic

The UAE officially joined the Svalbard Treaty, pursuant to Federal Decree No. 125 of 2025, in a step that strengthens its position in polar science and supports international cooperation, affirming its commitment to protecting some of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.

This joining comes within the framework of supporting the objectives of the UAE Polar Program, which seeks to enhance the country’s role in polar sciences and advance research in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

Membership in the treaty allows Emirati researchers to conduct field research in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, one of the northernmost research areas in the world, in which scientists from more than ten countries cooperate to conduct advanced studies on the Arctic and the atmosphere.

By joining the treaty, the UAE is strengthening its scientific contribution to the Northern Hemisphere, complementing its research activities in Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere.

This accession reflects the country’s commitment to scientific diplomacy by using scientific cooperation to strengthen international partnerships and support joint global efforts.

Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Head of the Office of International Affairs in the Presidential Office and Head of the Emirates Polar Program, confirmed that the UAE’s accession to the Svalbard Treaty reflects the country’s firm commitment to international cooperation and scientific progress, and represents an important step in the process of its involvement in Arctic science, explaining that this accession allows Emirati researchers to contribute effectively to global research efforts and enhances opportunities to deepen scientific cooperation and participate in joint missions with leading countries to protect the most fragile ecosystems in the world.

For his part, Abdullah Al-Alaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs and Vice President of the Emirates Polar Program, said that the UAE’s accession to the Svalbard Treaty represents an important step in its climate agenda, noting that the country is strengthening through this step its commitment to transforming ambitions into actions through scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.

He considered that climate action constitutes a necessity and a shared opportunity, stressing that the country will continue to build a sustainable and resilient future through strategic initiatives and international partnerships, and by benefiting from the Emirates Polar Program to develop innovative research and find practical solutions for the polar regions.

Dr. Abdullah Al Mandoos, President of the World Meteorological Organization and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, stressed the scientific importance of expanding the UAE’s participation in cooperation in the field of the Arctic, explaining that the country’s accession to the Svalbard Treaty opens new horizons for scientific and environmental cooperation, and allows Emirati scientists to contribute directly to global research initiatives at stations such as Ny-Ålesund, one of the permanent civilian research stations in the far north of the world.

He noted that the National Center of Meteorology, in line with the state’s vision, will continue to develop its polar programs and strengthen international partnerships to enhance the ability to adapt to climate change and serve future generations.

The “Emirates Polar Program” was established to embody the country’s commitment to developing science and exploration, and confronting global challenges through research and innovative solutions, and reflects the UAE’s active role in contributing to global efforts for climate research and environmental protection, through five main priorities that include competitiveness and international cooperation, global climate action, scientific progress and human capital, economic diversification, and establishing an actual presence in the Antarctic and North Pole.

The UAE Polar Program strengthens the country’s position as a bridge between countries and a catalyst for global scientific progress and sustainability, reflecting its deep commitment to international cooperation and building a sustainable scientific and environmental future.

The Svalbard archipelago is located under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Norway in the far north of the Earth between the Norwegian coast and the North Pole. It is famous for its unique polar environment, is an important destination for scientific research, and is home to the global seed repository that preserves millions of seeds as a preventive measure to enhance global food security.