Emirates Polar Program and Polar Research Center engage in Global Dialogue on Science, Sustainability, and Arctic Cooperation
The UAE’s expanding role in polar research and climate-related initiatives were highlighted at ‘Where Science Meets Business: Global Collaboration,’ a key session hosted by the Emirates Polar Program, during the world’s largest Arctic Circle gathering, by Khalifa University’s Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi, the only academic from the UAE invited to speak at the Arctic Circle Assembly 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
As a member of the Polar Research Center at Khalifa University, Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi, Associate Professor, Earth Sciences, joined global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders in a panel discussion at the Assembly’s Business Forum where she shared the importance of linking scientific research with sustainable business and investment in the polar regions.
During the Assembly, Dr. Al Suwaidi also briefed H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former President of Iceland and Chairman of the Arctic Circle, on the extent of Khalifa University’s growing recognition among global polar research communities.
The session featured a pre-recorded address by H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Chair of the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee and Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, who called for stronger integration between science, innovation, and finance to support global sustainability.
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization, and Director General, the National Center of Meteorology, also joined a high-level plenary on ‘The Future of Science,’ alongside Professor Dame Angela McLean, UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, and Dr. John Holdren, former White House Science Advisor, reflecting the UAE’s active role in advancing global climate dialogue.
Engagements explored future collaboration in climate monitoring, scientific data sharing, and education. This included meetings with delegations from the Government of Greenland, Gwich’in Council, EU Special Envoy on Arctic Matters, University of the Arctic, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Sami Council amongst others.
Khalifa University, through the Emirates Polar Program, continues to support UAE-led scientific missions in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Recent fieldwork in Svalbard and Livingston Island, Antarctica, has focused on understanding ancient climate patterns and modern environmental change, strengthening the UAE’s long-term investment in climate science and sustainability.
Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi said: “Khalifa University’s participation underlines the UAE’s expanding role in global polar diplomacy, bridging Arctic and Antarctic science to address shared challenges such as climate change, melting ice systems, and environmental security. Through the Emirates Polar Program and the Polar Research Center, the University is actively building scientific partnerships that connect the UAE’s sustainability vision with international climate action. By contributing to the Arctic Circle Assembly, Khalifa University reinforces the UAE’s role as a bridge between the Arctic and the Global South, shaping a new model of international cooperation where science informs policy and diplomacy.”
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
