In this episode, we take a closer look at the United Arab Emirates’ new polar program.

As global interest in the Arctic continues to grow, countries beyond the region, including those in the Middle East and South Asia, are stepping up investments in polar science, climate research, and international cooperation.

To explore this emerging landscape, the conversation brought together:

Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates
Jan-Gunnar Winther, Pro-rector for Research and Development, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Thamban Meloth, Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), India
Wassim Said, Advisor to the UAE Presidential Court and member of the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee

Moderating the Session was Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue and former Prime Minister of Iceland.

This conversation was recorded live at the Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, and is part of the Polar Dialogue.

Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.

Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.org

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