India, UAE join forces in historic Antarctic mission — What they’re discovering will surprise you

The Indian Embassy in the UAE highlighted the development on X, writing: “India-UAE Polar Cooperation in action! Emirati researchers from Khalifa University joined India’s 45th Antarctic Expedition at Maitri station, exploring Antarctica’s Mars-like landscapes to advance polar and planetary science.”

This collaboration follows a historic step in 2024 to strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on polar research.

The agreement, formalised during the 15th round of the UAE-India Joint Committee Meeting, was exchanged between the Emirates Polar Program and India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). The ceremony was officiated by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs and Deputy Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, and Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Speaking on the partnership, Abdulla Balalaa had then said: “This collaboration epitomizes the UAE’s commitment to scientific excellence through global cooperation. By harnessing India’s wealth of experience in polar research, we are enhancing national capabilities and paving the way for future generations to make groundbreaking discoveries in this critical field.”

The Emirates Polar Programme, established to position the UAE as a leader in polar science, is expected to benefit significantly from this collaboration. The program focuses on participating in international missions to Antarctica and the Arctic, supporting global climate action, and contributing to the understanding of polar environments.

Through these initiatives, the UAE demonstrates a commitment to global scientific cooperation and environmental stewardship in polar regions, the official statement said.