The UAE has acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) following the Federal Decree No.165 of 2024. This crucial step enhances the country’s global position in polar science.
ATS provides for freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and promotes international cooperation. It also encourages the establishment of cooperative working relations with specialised agencies like the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) that have a scientific or technical interest in Antarctica.
By acceding to the Treaty, the UAE has gained the opportunity to attend the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. It can also submit a national research proposal for approval or feedback and establish a physical presence in Antarctica.
Mariam AlMheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee, said, “The Antarctic Treaty System aligns with the UAE’s vision for collective action as the key to solving the complex challenges we face as a result of climate change.”
She explained, “Acceding to the Treaty allows us to forge new collaborations and partnerships to pursue coordinated research into what is driving change in the polar regions. It also enables us to conduct international polar missions, and actively contribute to the protection of the region.”
One of the goals of the Emirates Polar Programme is to establish a physical presence in Antarctica and the Arctic. The ATS allows the programme to conduct research on the ground in Antarctica, and work is already underway to equip Emirati scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to international polar missions.
Two Emiratis recently embarked on a mission to Antarctica, and a mission to the Arctic is scheduled for summer 2025.
She added, “The UAE is committed to building national scientific capacity, inspiring future generations to pursue a career in science, and driving global climate action. Acceding to the ATS marks a major step forward in our efforts to address this critical global challenge and keep pace with the latest scientific developments.”
The Treaty was officially acceded to on 11th December 2024 through the US Department of State. The ATS accession follows invitations for the UAE to participate in the Antarctica InSync programme and the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
The Emirates Polar Programme is steered by the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and ATRC.
It includes the launch of a Polar Research Centre at Polar Research Center and brings together scientists and experts to address polar science challenges.
