In a historic achievement, two Emirati scientists have successfully established research stations in Antarctica, marking the UAE and the Arab world’s first contribution to the critical field of polar scientific exploration.
This groundbreaking venture, aimed at advancing knowledge in meteorology and seismology, was led by 32-year-old Ahmed Mansour Al Kaabi and 31-year-old Eng. Badr Alameri, both from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
The duo, who recently returned from the frozen continent, shared their journey in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.
Their mission, part of the Emirates Polar Programme, saw them overcome extreme conditions, logistical challenges, and the relentless demands of working in one of the planet’s most inhospitable environments.
Their journey began on December 20, when they flew from Abu Dhabi to Antarctica via Bulgaria, Rome, and Argentina, before boarding a research vessel bound for the icy shores.
The vessel navigated the notoriously rough Drake Passage, where towering waves and fierce winds tested their resolve.
“It was extremely challenging, with waves reaching 10-12 feet and winds so intense we could hear them from inside the ship,” Al Kaabi recalled. The two were awarded certificates for successfully crossing the Drake Passage, a testament to their resilience.
Upon arriving in Antarctica, they spent 24 days setting up the meteorological and seismological research stations at their base, a wooden shelter that housed 34 scientists from multiple countries, including Spain, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, and the UAE.
The weather posed an immediate challenge, with strong winds frequently halting fieldwork and forcing them to shift to data collection and analysis inside.
The weather station, equipped with eight sensors to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, rain, wind speed, and solar radiation, will provide valuable data to help understand the local weather patterns.
However, Al Kaabi pointed out that the two-week period they spent in Antarctica during the summer season was insufficient for a comprehensive study, as a full year is required to observe all the seasonal changes.
Alameri, a geophysicist, installed two seismic stations to monitor seismic activities, glacial movements, and volcanic events.
These stations complement existing Bulgarian and Spanish equipment, allowing for international collaboration and data sharing, which the scientists believe is crucial for advancing global scientific research.
Despite the logistical difficulties, the physical and mental challenges were equally demanding.
“We wore multiple layers of clothing and special Arctic suits to combat the cold. The weather stations themselves were heavy, with each battery weighing 60 kilograms, requiring a team of four to carry just one,” Al Kaabi said.
During their downtime, the researchers stayed connected with family and colleagues via satellite phones and WhatsApp messages, taking turns with kitchen duties and helping with other household tasks.
They also took time to send 10 postcards from Antarctica, a gesture that added a personal touch to their incredible journey.
In addition to their scientific accomplishments, Al Kaabi and Alameri experienced the unique wildlife of the continent, spotting penguins, seals, and rare bird species. They even sailed past volcanic ash, underscoring Antarctica’s status as an active volcanic region.
The successful completion of this mission not only highlights the UAE’s growing presence in global scientific exploration but also sets the stage for future collaboration in polar research, contributing to a broader understanding of the planet’s extreme environments.