UAE, Argentina sign agreement on Antarctic research

The UAE and Argentina on Friday signed an agreement to cooperate in Antarctic research, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing scientific progress and supporting environmental conservation efforts in the continent. 

The agreement was officially signed between the UAE Polar Programme, managed by the Office of International Affairs at the UAE Presidential Court, and the National Antarctic Directorate (Instituto Argentino de Antarctica) of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.

It was signed on the sidelines of the Foreign Minister of the Argentine Republic’s visit to the UAE by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, and Vice-Chair of the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee.

It represents a significant step towards enhancing scientific cooperation in Antarctica, facilitating joint research projects, academic exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives, and enhancing the role of both countries in advancing polar sciences and supporting global knowledge related to Antarctica.

The deal was announced hours after the UAE welcomed the return of members of the first joint expedition with the Bulgarian Antarctic Research Institute, after successfully completing their inaugural scientific mission to Antarctica.

The expedition saw two UAE experts, specialising in meteorology and seismic monitoring, undertake a challenging scientific journey to one of the harshest environments on Earth, where their mission included the installation of two advanced weather and seismic monitoring stations to collect vital data on atmospheric and seismic activities in Antarctica.

“This MoU reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to advancing polar science through strategic global partnerships. By joining forces with the Argentine Republic, a nation with a profound legacy in Antarctic research, we are not only expanding our own scientific frontiers but also driving deeper global insights into this critical region and its indispensable role in our planet's future,” Balalaa said. 

The Emirates Polar Program, established to strengthen the UAE’s leadership in polar science, stands to gain significantly from the partnership. The programme is dedicated to participating in international missions to Antarctica and the Arctic, supporting global climate research and deepening scientific understanding of polar environments.