UAE Makes History as First Arab Nation to Join Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

The UAE has officially joined the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (Scar), marking a historic milestone as the first Arab country to secure membership in the international body. This integration connects the UAE's polar research projects with a worldwide network of scientists and institutions dedicated to advancing our understanding of Antarctica and its critical influence on the global climate system.

This achievement follows last December's announcement that the UAE became the first Arab nation to commit to conducting scientific research under the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates the continent exclusively for peaceful purposes and guarantees the freedom of scientific investigation.

Central to this initiative is the Emirates Polar Programme, launched in 2023 by President Sheikh Mohamed, which positions Emirati scientists at the forefront of international research in both Antarctica and the Arctic.

“The UAE’s membership in Scar marks an important milestone for the Emirates Polar Programme and the development of our national capabilities in polar science,” stated Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chairwoman of the Emirates Polar Programme Steering Committee. She emphasized that scientific progress in polar regions relies heavily on international co-operation, shared knowledge, and long-term partnerships.

The nation's involvement is channeled through the Emirates Polar Programme and the Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University, where local researchers collaborate with established global programs on environmental monitoring and field research.

Antarctica, known as the coldest and highest continent on Earth, holds nearly 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater preserved within ancient ice. As global temperatures continue to rise, changes in this massive ice sheet are actively reshaping oceans and coastlines far beyond the polar regions.

“Through Scar, we look forward to contributing to shared scientific priorities and building partnerships across nations in the co-operative spirit that defines Antarctica,” noted Dr Aisha Al Suwaidi, professor of earth science at Khalifa University. She added that the initiative also aims to integrate artists and storytellers alongside scientists to effectively communicate Antarctica’s critical narrative to broader society.

Through this membership, UAE researchers gain eligibility to participate in Scar’s international research and expert groups spanning disciplines such as ice-sheet dynamics, Southern Ocean change, permafrost, and geological history. Furthermore, the partnership creates valuable pathways for early-career Emirati scientists to secure fellowships, research placements, and international exchanges.

“The Emirates Polar Programme already has several strong Antarctic research programmes, and we look forward to including Emirates researchers across the Scar Research programme and building collaborative research efforts to address globally important challenges,” concluded Scar president Gary Wilson.