The Emirates Polar Program

What The Emirates Polar Program does

The Emirates Polar Program is a federal government initiative of the United Arab Emirates, established in November 2024 under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and enabled by Vice President Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan through the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi under the Presidential Court's International Affairs Office, the program pursues five strategic objectives: competitiveness and international cooperation, global climate action and environmentalism, scientific and human capital advancement, economic diversification, and establishing a physical presence in Antarctica and the Arctic. Its primary "customers" are not commercial buyers but partner governments, national meteorological services, academic research institutions, and international governance bodies such as the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, Arctic Circle, SCAR, and WMO.

The program's operational portfolio is built around three layers: (1) field infrastructure in polar regions, including meteorological stations with eight sensors, weak- and strong-motion seismic stations, tide and sea level stations, and methane gas measurement equipment deployed at the Bulgarian Antarctic base as the first Arab-installed monitoring stations in Antarctica; (2) the Polar Research Center at Khalifa University, which serves as the research arm and houses the ENGEOS Lab focused on climate modeling, atmospheric sciences, and cryospheric research; and (3) a science diplomacy apparatus built on bilateral MoUs/MoAs with India (NCPOR), Norway (UiT), New Zealand (Antarctica NZ), Argentina, Bulgaria, and Arctic Circle, alongside participation in the Antarctic Treaty System following accession in December 2024. AI and machine learning are applied to polar environmental monitoring and climate modeling within the research center.

The Emirates Polar Program does not operate a commercial revenue model. It is fully funded through federal resources and operates through formal international scientific cooperation, joint research expeditions, and treaty participation. It has no pricing structure, no external equity ownership, and discloses no revenue figures; its outputs are distributed via international scientific cooperation, joint expeditions, and shared data with the global research community. The program's GTM is government-led and event-driven, anchored in participation at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, Arctic Circle Assembly, Arctic Frontiers, and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, supplemented by an outreach program that has reached approximately 750 students across five UAE academic institutions.

Name

The Emirates Polar Program

Legal name

The Emirates Polar Program

Website

https://polar.gov.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Emirates Polar Program is a UAE federal government initiative, established in 2024 under the Presidential Court, that conducts polar climate research and science diplomacy across Antarctica and the Arctic. It serves partner governments, national meteorological services, academic institutions, and international polar governance bodies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Research Services

NAICS

International Affairs (928120), National Security and International Affairs (928), National Security (928110), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Foreign Governments (8888)

akta.pro primary industry

International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate, Environment & Natural Resource Management Aid Programs (BPADABAI), Environmental, Climate & Sustainability Standards & Reporting Cooperation (BPADANAI), Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA), Earth Science & Geoscience Programs (EDAMABAI)

Keywords

• Polar climate research
• Polar environmental monitoring
• International scientific cooperation
• Cryosphere science research
• Government research program

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: The Emirates Polar Program is a government-funded national initiative established under the directives of UAE leadership. The program receives funding through federal resources as part of the UAE's commitment to scientific advancement and climate action. No commercial revenue generation model exists as this is a public research and diplomacy initiative.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Emirates Polar Program is a UAE government initiative that advances polar climate research and international scientific cooperation across Arctic and Antarctic regions. It operates monitoring infrastructure including meteorological, seismic, tide and sea level stations in Antarctica, conducts joint research expeditions with partner nations, and runs the Polar Research Center at Khalifa University for interdisciplinary cryosphere, climate, and oceanographic studies. The program also performs science diplomacy through participation in international forums such as the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, Arctic Circle Assembly, and Arctic Frontiers.

Product overview

The Emirates Polar Program is a unified national initiative focused on polar research and climate science, comprising the main program and its research arm, the Polar Research Center at Khalifa University. The program encompasses research expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, operates meteorological and seismic monitoring stations, and maintains specialized research facilities including the ENGEOS Lab. The program focuses on five key research areas: Polar Climate/Meteorology/Atmosphere/Cryosphere, Polar Oceanography and Biogeochemistry, Polar Geodynamics, Polar Biospheres/Ecosystems/Geosphere, and Technology Development for extreme environments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emirates Polar Program A pioneering national initiative dedicated to advancing a high-level research agenda addressing grand science challenges in polar science, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and human resilience in polar regions. Operates across five key research areas: Polar Climate/Meteorology/Atmosphere/Cryosphere, Polar Oceanography and Biogeochemistry, Polar Geodynamics, Polar Biospheres/Ecosystems/Geosphere, and Technology Development for extreme environments.
• Polar Research Center at Khalifa University A research center dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of polar regions through comprehensive interdisciplinary research, studying the cryosphere, oceans, and landscapes to fill knowledge gaps in polar sciences. Conducts independent and collaborative research on climate change, environmental degradation, and the impact of human activities on polar ecosystems, with students participating in international polar missions and expeditions.
• Meteorological and Seismic Monitoring Stations Weather research stations and tide/sea level stations installed in Antarctica to monitor atmospheric climate variables, measure ice melt and sea level rise, provide early tsunami indicators, and conduct seismic monitoring. The first Arab weather and seismic monitoring stations on the continent, contributing to international scientific data sharing.
• Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab A specialized laboratory at Khalifa University focused on climate modeling, atmospheric sciences, environmental sustainability, with emphasis on polar meteorology and cryospheric sciences. Part of the Polar Research Center.

Quantifiable outcome

• Installation of first Arab weather and seismic monitoring stations in Antarctica
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arctic CirclecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The Emirates Polar Program and Arctic Circle strengthened their long-standing collaboration through a new partnership agreement signed during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. The agreement reinforces shared efforts to advance international dialogue and scientific cooperation on climate change, focusing on the Arctic and other critical cryospheric regions. Through this partnership, both parties will leverage Arctic Circle global platforms to expand scientific cooperation, strengthen international research networks, and support capacity-building initiatives.
• Governor of AlaskaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Emirates Polar Program representatives met with the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, to explore potential areas of collaboration in polar research, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship. The meeting included discussions on cooperation towards advancing shared interests in polar regions.
• Antarctica New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2025The UAE and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) marking a landmark collaboration in Antarctic scientific research. The partnership aims to strengthen joint efforts in Antarctic scientific research, foster academic exchange, and enhance capacity building. The memorandum focuses on collaborative projects contributing to deeper understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem, climate change impacts, and preservation of the unique environment.
• National Directorate for Antarctic (Instituto Antartico Argentino), ArgentinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 February 2025The UAE and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Antarctic Research. The MoU was formalised between the Emirates Polar Program and Argentina's National Directorate for Antarctic. This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening scientific cooperation in Antarctica, facilitating joint research projects, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2024The UAE and India signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on polar research during the 15th round of the UAE-India Joint Committee Meeting. The collaboration aims to facilitate joint efforts in polar research, academic exchanges, and capacity building. By leveraging India's extensive experience in polar research, the UAE seeks to develop its capabilities and inspire future scientists. This partnership complements existing robust UAE-India cooperation in defense, energy, trade, and emerging technologies.
• Arctic University of Norway (UiT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2024Khalifa University signed a collaboration agreement with UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, marking the first formal visit following a briefing with UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The institutions discussed potential collaborations in energy sustainability, AI, climate research with emphasis on the Arctic and Antarctica. Both universities are committed to transitioning away from oil and gas dependence with shared vision for green societal transformation. Joint research opportunities including hydrogen production from renewable energy sources and KU's participation in UiT's One Ocean expedition (2025-2026) were discussed.
• Bulgarian Antarctic InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The UAE participates in Bulgaria's Antarctic expeditions and operates UAE laboratories at the Bulgarian base in Antarctica. This partnership resulted in the installation of the first two Arab weather and seismic monitoring stations in Antarctica. The collaboration represents a practical model of scientific partnership based on field research and knowledge exchange, with joint scientific training workshops and expertise exchange in polar monitoring and measurement methods.
• Khalifa UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Khalifa University hosts the Polar Research Center, an outcome of the Emirates Polar Program, dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the polar regions through comprehensive and interdisciplinary research. The center conducts independent and collaborative research on polar-related sciences, addressing critical challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and the impact of human activities on polar ecosystems. Khalifa University students participate in international polar missions and expeditions.
• National Center of Meteorology (NCM)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024The National Center of Meteorology, under the leadership of Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous (Director General of NCM and President of WMO), is a key implementing partner responsible for conducting meteorological and seismic research expeditions. NCM has deployed teams to Antarctica for installing weather and seismic monitoring stations, conducted the first joint scientific expedition to the South Pole, and leads outreach initiatives targeting national academic institutions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• British Antarctic Survey (BAS): UK's national polar research institute operating the largest Antarctic research program globally. Comparable to the Emirates Polar Program as a government-backed polar science initiative with research stations, monitoring infrastructure, and international treaty participation, though operating at much larger scale and with decades of accumulated data.
• Norwegian Polar Institute: Norway's central institution for polar research, mapping, and environmental monitoring in the Arctic and Antarctic. Directly comparable to the Emirates Polar Program as a national polar program conducting climate research, maintaining monitoring stations, and engaging in international polar cooperation. The Emirates Polar Program has an active partnership with UiT/The Arctic University of Norway.
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): India's premier polar and ocean research institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Comparable as a national polar program from a non-traditional polar nation, with which the Emirates Polar Program has signed a strategic MoU for joint polar research, academic exchanges, and capacity building.
• Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI): South Korea's polar research institute operating Antarctic and Arctic research stations and the icebreaker Araon. Comparable to the Emirates Polar Program as a national polar program from a non-polar nation that has rapidly built polar capabilities, with established research stations and active international collaborations.
• Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI): Germany's leading polar and marine research institute operating Antarctic and Arctic stations, the icebreaker Polarstern, and conducting major climate research. Comparable to the Emirates Polar Program as a government-backed polar research organization focused on climate science, atmospheric monitoring, and cryospheric research.
• Antarctica New Zealand: New Zealand's government agency managing Antarctic research operations including Scott Base. Comparable as a national Antarctic program operator, with which the Emirates Polar Program has a formal Memorandum of Arrangement for joint Antarctic scientific research, academic exchange, and capacity building.
• Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA): Argentina's national directorate for Antarctic affairs operating multiple Antarctic bases with decades of polar research heritage. Comparable to the Emirates Polar Program as a national Antarctic program with which the UAE has signed an MoU for cooperation in Antarctic research, joint projects, and capacity building.
• Bulgarian Antarctic Institute: Bulgaria's national polar research body operating the St. Kliment Ohridski Base in Antarctica. Comparable as a national Antarctic program and direct operational partner of the Emirates Polar Program, hosting UAE laboratories and co-deploying monitoring stations during the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.
• Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC): China's national polar and cryospheric research institution operating the Xue Long icebreaker and multiple Antarctic/Arctic stations. Comparable as a rapidly-growing national polar program from a non-traditional polar nation, with similar strategic positioning and government backing for polar expansion.

Others

• Antarctic Treaty Secretariat: The international body administering the Antarctic Treaty System, of which the UAE became a member in December 2024. Comparable as the regulatory and governance framework that the Emirates Polar Program participates in through Consultative Meetings and treaty obligations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/emiratespolarprogram
• Xx.com/EmiratesPolar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/emirates-polar-program

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Emirates Polar Program