The United Arab Emirates has become the first Arab country to join the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) as an associate member, marking a significant milestone in its growing engagement with polar science. The UAE’s membership was formally approved in August 2026 during the SCAR Delegates Meetings, held in Oslo, Norway, following the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference.
SCAR, established 68 years ago, serves as the primary international body coordinating scientific research in Antarctica. It provides independent scientific advice that contributes to the governance of the region and informs global climate assessments. By joining SCAR, the UAE gains access to an extensive international network of scientists and institutions dedicated to advancing knowledge of Antarctica and its influence on global climate systems.
The UAE’s participation in SCAR activities will be channeled through the Emirates Polar Programme and the Polar Research Centre at Khalifa University. These initiatives have been instrumental in developing national expertise in polar research, focusing on environmental monitoring and conducting field studies in Antarctica in collaboration with established polar programmes worldwide.
Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Chair of the Emirates Polar Programme Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that the membership represents a key achievement for the country’s ambitions in polar science and the advancement of its scientific capabilities.
As an associate member, the UAE will engage in SCAR’s international research and expert groups, which cover a range of scientific disciplines including ice-sheet dynamics, changes in the Southern Ocean, permafrost studies, and geological history. The membership also provides new opportunities for early-career Emirati scientists to participate in SCAR fellowships, research placements, and scientific exchanges, further supporting the growth of the UAE’s polar research community.
This move reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to contributing to global scientific efforts addressing climate change and environmental challenges by fostering collaboration and expertise in one of the world’s most critical and sensitive regions.