The UAE is embarking on a new environmental and scientific mission to explore the Earth's polar zones, as announced on Wednesday.
Two Emirati weather experts are set to depart for Antarctica today, November 7, as part of the Emirates Polar Programme. This initiative aims to deepen the UAE's understanding of both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, recognizing their crucial role in environmental science.
Mariam Almheiri, head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and chair of the 'UAE Polar Mission steering Committee', highlighted another objective: to equip Emirati scientists with the necessary skills to participate in international polar missions. By next year, the UAE plans to have a presence in both the north and south poles.
In addition to the two Emiratis heading to Antarctica today, Almheiri mentioned that "another mission is scheduled for the Arctic in the summer of 2025".
As part of the project's initial phase, the 'Polar Research Centre' was established at Khalifa University. This centre is focused on building strategic international partnerships, signing relevant treaties, and joining international polar missions.
The project integrates insights from scientists, experts, and diplomats to establish key research priorities, covering scientific, technological, and commercial applications. It was developed over the past year through collaboration among the International Affairs Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and Khalifa University.
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