Abu dhabi: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) announced today the successful conclusion of the UAE's second consecutive scientific expedition to Antarctica for the 2025-2026 period, marking a significant advancement in the Emirates Polar Programme and reinforcing the nation's leadership in global climate science and international scientific cooperation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE scientific and technical team has returned after completing a comprehensive series of strategic scientific and operational tasks in Antarctica. These tasks included establishing the first UAE laboratories at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island, installing new climate monitoring stations, and maintaining and enhancing previously deployed infrastructure.
The 2025-2026 UAE Antarctic expedition was carried out in cooperation with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, with academic participation from Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. This collaboration reflects the UAE's integrated national approach, combining operational expertise with scientific research and capacity building.
Mariam bent Mohammed Almheiri, Chair of the Steering Committee of the Emirates Polar Programme, stated that the successful conclusion of the second mission reflects the leadership's vision in supporting advanced scientific research and strengthening international partnerships. She emphasized that establishing the first Emirati laboratories in Antarctica marks a strategic milestone, enhancing national research capabilities and expanding the UAE's presence in scientific exploration and international cooperation.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation and Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology, highlighted that the UAE's continued scientific presence in Antarctica for the second consecutive year strengthens its contribution to international climate research. He noted that the laboratories and monitoring stations completed during this mission mark an important expansion of the UAE's polar capabilities.
The establishment of the first Emirati laboratories in Antarctica stands as a key achievement of the 2025-2026 mission, providing a specialized research platform for Emirati scientists in one of the world's most environmentally sensitive regions. The mission also included the installation of the UAE's second weather station in Antarctica and the country's first tidal monitoring station to track sea-level changes.
Developed under the Emirates Polar Programme, these laboratories will advance research in atmospheric sciences, environmental change, ocean sciences, and polar geophysics, further consolidating the UAE's scientific presence in polar research. The mission involved specialists from the National Centre of Meteorology and academic participants from Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. The team successfully completed the laboratories' readiness and deployed advanced monitoring systems under challenging polar conditions.
With the mission's successful conclusion, the Emirates Polar Programme continues to evolve as a national platform integrating operational monitoring, applied research, academic engagement, and international cooperation, reinforcing the UAE's contribution to global climate and environmental research.