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UAE National Flag and Masdar Insignia Proudly Displayed in Antarctica

September 21, 2018

Antarctica Expedition Part of Masdar Institute’s Outreach Initiative Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 14 March, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced two of its students proudly displayed the UAE National flag and the Masdar insignia in Antarctica.

Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi, the two Masdar Institute students, were part of the International Antarctica Expedition (IAE) 2012 team that was led by polar explorer Sir Robert Swan from 27 February – 12 March. Al Kaabi and Al Junaibi, with Sir Robert Swan, proudly held the UAE National Flag and the Masdar Insignia during the expedition in Antarctica.

The two students’ Antarctica expedition comes as part of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, a Masdar Institute outreach initiative that aims to inspire, educate and empower energy leaders of tomorrow.

Maitha Al Kaabi said: “It was truly a momentous occasion for me to stand with Sir Robert Swan and proudly display the Masdar insignia, which represents Abu Dhabi’s achievements in renewable energy. As a student, it was also an opportunity for me to represent Masdar Institute through the YFEL program, and remember all the research work I could conduct down in the Antarctic cold. This is really an honor for me, my parents and my country.”

Reem Al Junaibi said: “Holding the UAE national flag in Antarctica was an exhilarating moment for me. It was also a privilege to hold the national flag aloft as a Masdar Institute student and remember everything we have accomplished so far in renewable energy and sustainability through the YFEL program. My research work progressed well in Antarctica, which I believe will greatly delight my parents, family and the entire country. This is a proud moment for all.”

The two Masdar Institute students, who are back in Argentina after successfully completing their Antarctica expedition, will arrive in Abu Dhabi on 16 March.

Established as an ongoing collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.