UAE sets up first scientific laboratories at Bulgarian Antarctic Base

A team of experts from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has established the first UAE laboratories at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island during their second scientific expedition to Antarctica.

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.

They also provide a specialised research platform for Emirati scientists in one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive regions.

Mariam bent Mohammed Almheiri, Chair of the Steering Committee of the Emirates Polar Programme, said the launch of the laboratories "marks a strategic milestone that enhances our national research capabilities and expands 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, added that setting up instruments within the new laboratories was a difficult task considering the area's harsh climate, but "the data generated will support long-term climate modelling, sea-level research, and geophysical studies".

The mission also saw the installation of the UAE’s second weather station in Antarctica, in addition to the country’s first tidal monitoring station to track sea-level changes and support long-term studies.

They also conducted maintenance and upgrades to the first weather station and to the UAE’s seismic station, installed on their visit to the area in January 2025, enhancing data quality and strengthening contributions to international monitoring networks.

The expedition was carried out in cooperation with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, with academic participation from Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic in efforts to combine operational expertise with scientific research and capacity building.