UAE Enhances Scientific Presence In Antarctica Through Collaboration With Bulgaria’s Antarctic Expedition

The Bulgarian research vessel Saints Cyril and Methodius has set sail from Varna, marking the start of the 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Research Season. For the second year, a UAE scientific team is part of this mission under the UAE Polar Programme. This initiative enhances the UAE's role in global polar research through collaboration with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation and Director-General of the UAE National Center of Meteorology, attended the launch ceremony. Professor Hristo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, expressed satisfaction with the growing partnership with the UAE. He noted that UAE laboratories at the Bulgarian base in Antarctica will continue to develop research projects initiated under the UAE Polar Programme.

The UAE team includes Ahmad Al Kaabi and Badr Al Ameri from NCM, Omar Al Attas from Khalifa University, and Abdullah Al Raisi from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. They are prepared for advanced research projects shipped aboard the Bulgarian vessel. These projects include UAE polar laboratories for field experiments, a weather station for climate monitoring, and equipment to measure methane gas in permafrost.

The Saints Cyril and Methodius serves as a European multi-purpose research platform supporting Bulgaria's expedition during its nearly 50-day journey to Antarctica. The mission will conclude at Punta Arenas in Chile before starting on Livingston Island in early January 2026.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Head of International Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Committee, stated: "This joint UAE mission under the UAE Polar Programme reflects the country's commitment to scientific diplomacy and the promotion of international cooperation in research and innovation." She emphasised that this partnership underscores UAE’s dedication to knowledge exchange and global sustainability efforts.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous highlighted that participating aligns with a strategic vision leveraging science for community service and climate change response. He said: "The UAE team’s continued presence in Antarctica for a second consecutive year demonstrates the country’s commitment to scientific diplomacy rooted in fieldwork, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration."

Training and Preparations

In Varna, Bulgaria, the UAE team engaged in a joint training workshop with presentations on new projects and expertise exchange in polar monitoring methods. They completed initial medical checks before concluding their official visit on October 23.

The team is scheduled to travel to Punta Arenas on December 15 to join Bulgaria's expedition towards Livingston Island. Their journey includes a five-day sea crossing through Drake Passage with an expected arrival in early January 2026.

Khalifa University's Contribution

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: "Khalifa University is proud of its student’s participation in this international mission." He added that hosting the Polar Research Center supports leadership in polar science through discoveries made there.

This participation reflects Khalifa University's commitment to empowering Emirati talent across scientific fields while enhancing excellence in research seeking innovative solutions globally.

UAE's Growing Scientific Presence

The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its commitment to supporting international climate change efforts through polar research participation. This growing presence highlights ambitions for leading climate innovation while investing in national talent development among Emirati researchers contributing towards sustainable futures benefiting humanity.

With inputs from WAM