UAE Seeks Climate Insights, Taps NCPOR for Polar Expertise

UAE Seeks NCPOR Expertise for Climate and Polar Research in Strategic Partnership with India

Panaji: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), located in Vasco, has been asked by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist it in furthering its studies on polarization and climate change. The UAE will be able to better comprehend and forecast extreme weather events, including heat waves, unseasonable rains, and other climate-related occurrences that have a growing influence on the region, thanks to this partnership.

India and the UAE recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 4th Strategic Dialogue co-hosted by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The MoU focuses on mentoring Emirati scientists and providing research guidance to the UAE in polar exploration. Beyond climate research, this strategic partnership extends to key areas such as defence, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, critical minerals and renewable energy.

UAE’s Climate Concerns and Polar Ambitions

Extreme weather phenomena like the April rains, which were so intense that they lasted for over a year in a single day, have sparked interest in polar research in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to causing devastating flooding in Dubai and Sharjah, the deluge tragically claimed 21 lives and alarmed policymakers about the possible effects of climate change.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind these occurrences, the UAE intends to investigate the connection between monsoon patterns in Asia and the melting of polar ice caps, which has already been demonstrated by NCPOR’s research. “To address these challenges, they are especially interested in using remote sensing satellite technology, microbial studies, life under extreme conditions, coastal oceanography, and climate modeling,” stated Thamban Meloth, director of NCPOR.

Building a Knowledge Base

Meloth underlined that although the UAE is keen to learn more about climate systems, it does not yet have the institutional structure and knowledge needed for polar research. With the help of NCPOR, the UAE hopes to close this gap and progressively increase its ability to carry out autonomous field research in polar areas.

According to Meloth, “the UAE’s long-term vision includes signing the Antarctic Treaty and engaging in scientific activities in both the Antarctic and Arctic regions.” This is comparable to what Saudi Arabia did when it joined the Antarctic Treaty in May 2024. The UAE sees the Memorandum of Understanding with India as a first step in becoming formally involved in polar research.

Collaboration Framework

The MoU provides a thorough framework for cooperation in ocean and polar research, encompassing capacity building, academic exchanges, cooperative research activities, and reciprocal assistance during polar trips. To lay out a plan for educating Emirati researchers and students, UAE authorities and scientists will tour NCPOR’s research facilities in Goa.

According to Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “this partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change through global cooperation and scientific advancement.” “The UAE will be able to contribute significantly to the global scientific community by strengthening their polar research capabilities.”

In addition to addressing its current climate challenges, the UAE is positioning itself as a future leader in environmental research globally by leveraging India’s polar research expertise.