Abu Dhabi [UAE], January 7 (ANI): India and the United Arab Emirates have extended their growing scientific partnership to Antarctica, with Emirati researchers from Khalifa University joining India’s 45th Antarctic Expedition at the Maitri research station, the Indian Embassy in the UAE said.
The joint team is studying Antarctica’s extreme, Mars-like landscapes to support research in polar science and planetary studies. The collaboration reflects deeper cooperation between the two countries in climate research, earth sciences, and space-linked studies.
In a post on X, the embassy said Emirati researchers from Khalifa University have joined India’s 45th Antarctic Expedition at Maitri station to explore Antarctica’s Mars-like terrain and advance polar and planetary science.
The participation of UAE scientists follows a key agreement between India and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in polar research. On December 13, 2024, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in polar and ocean research.
The MoU was signed between the Emirates Polar Program and India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research during the 15th session of the UAE-India Joint Committee Meeting. It was signed by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs and Deputy Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, and M. Ravichandran, Secretary in India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The partnership aims to support joint scientific missions in Antarctica and the Arctic, encourage data sharing, and promote research related to climate change, polar ecosystems, and earth system science.
The Emirates Polar Program, launched to strengthen the UAE’s presence in polar science, focuses on participating in international polar missions and contributing to global climate action. Through collaboration with India, the UAE seeks to deepen its understanding of polar environments while reinforcing international scientific cooperation.
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