UAE becomes first Arab state to join Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research

The UAE has joined the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) as an associate member, becoming the first Arab state to join the international body in its 68-year history.

The UAE’s membership was officially approved in August 2026 during the SCAR Delegates Meetings, held following the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference in Oslo, Norway.

SCAR coordinates international scientific research in Antarctica and provides independent scientific advice that informs Antarctic governance and global climate assessments.

Membership connects the UAE’s growing polar research community with an international network of scientists and institutions working to advance the understanding of Antarctica and its role in the global climate system.

The UAE’s participation in SCAR will be delivered through the Emirates Polar Programme and the Polar Research Centre hosted at Khalifa University, where UAE researchers are developing national expertise and working with established polar programmes on environmental monitoring and field research in Antarctica.

"Through SCAR, we are creating new pathways for Emirati scientists to contribute to international research, work alongside leading scientific institutions and build the expertise that will support the UAE’s growing role in polar science," said Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, and Chair of the Emirates Polar Programme Steering Committee.

As an Associate Member, UAE researchers will be able to participate in SCAR’s international research and expert groups, which bring together specialists across disciplines including ice-sheet dynamics, Southern Ocean change, permafrost and geological history.

This membership also opens opportunities for early-career Emirati scientists to access SCAR fellowships, research placements and international scientific exchanges.

"The Emirates Polar Programme already has several strong Antarctic research programme, and we look forward to including Emirates researchers across SCAR Research programme and building collaborative research efforts to address globally important challenges," said SCAR’s president Gary Wilson.

Dr. Aisha AlSuwaidi, Professor of Earth Science at Khalifa University added: "Alongside this scientific endeavour, we are committed to bringing artists and storytellers alongside scientists, so that Antarctica’s story reaches our society as well as our laboratories."

The UAE’s application for SCAR membership was prepared by the Emirates Polar Programme and submitted through the Advanced Technology Research Council, which serves as the UAE’s member body of the International Science Council.

UAE becomes first Arab state to join Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research#WamNews https://t.co/RjRJnLDlKW pic.twitter.com/gpPbGJ7RKI

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) October 6, 2026