UAE and Finland Sign Meteorology Cooperation MoU
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), together with Professor Petteri Taalas, Director-General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in meteorology and polar research.
The signing took place during an official visit by an NCM delegation to Helsinki, Finland’s capital. This moment marked an important step toward deepening bilateral collaboration in meteorology, polar research, and the creation of joint scientific initiatives. It also reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The MoU aims to strengthen institutional collaboration in both scientific and operational meteorological fields. It places particular emphasis on the exchange of expertise and best practices in polar research, which is a central focus of the UAE’s scientific agenda. In line with the Emirates Polar Programme, the initiative supports the establishment of Emirates Research Labs in the Arctic and Antarctica. These efforts will boost the UAE’s contribution to global scientific research.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous said, “The signing of this MoU with the Finnish Meteorological Institute marks a significant step in strengthening the UAE’s scientific and research capabilities in meteorology and polar studies. We remain committed to collaborating with international partners and exchanging knowledge and expertise, guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit. This collaboration will contribute to a deeper understanding of climate change and support the development of innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Such efforts will open new avenues for researchers and scientists from both countries and reinforce the UAE’s growing role as a key player in global polar research.”
Expanding Areas of Cooperation
The MoU covers several areas of collaboration. It includes integrating FMI’s advanced space weather services, which will improve forecasting and open opportunities for AI-driven data analysis. These services are expected to enhance applications across key sectors such as aviation, maritime navigation, agriculture, and disaster risk management.
During the visit, Dr. Al Mandous also engaged in technical meetings with Finnish partners. These discussions focused on establishing Emirates Research Labs in polar regions, developing shared research infrastructure, and supporting the exchange of scientists. Both parties also examined mechanisms to strengthen field research in polar environments and to launch collaborative projects that study climate change and its impact on ecosystems and societies.
The meetings further addressed reforms within the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Dr. Al Mandous highlighted the importance of updating international operational frameworks to meet the changing needs of the global meteorological community. He also underscored the urgency of securing sustainable financial support for UN agencies to maintain essential programmes. According to him, international cooperation remains vital for advancing global meteorological services.
Advancing Global Climate Research
Prof. Petteri Taalas said, “At FMI, we greatly value our partnership with the UAE, which has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting scientific research in climate and weather-related fields. This MoU provides a practical framework for exchanging expertise and launching joint research projects, including polar studies and space weather services, which will enhance global forecasting capabilities and deepen our understanding of climate change. We look forward to a productive and impactful collaboration that benefits the international scientific community as a whole.”
This collaboration highlights the strength of UAE–Finland relations and their shared dedication to advancing sustainable development goals. It also reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a leading contributor to polar research while boosting its role on the global scientific stage.
The MoU stands as a milestone in the two countries’ partnership. By combining expertise and resources, both sides aim to build advanced scientific and technical capacities that address today’s environmental challenges and prepare for future ones.
