UAE and Finland Strengthen Meteorology and Polar Research Partnership
The UAE and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in meteorology and polar research. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and Professor Petteri Taalas, Director-General of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), formalised the agreement during an official NCM delegation visit to Helsinki, Finland.
The MoU aims to strengthen institutional collaboration and encourages the exchange of expertise and best practices. Polar research, a key priority for the UAE, lies at the heart of this cooperation. This initiative complements the UAE’s Emirates Polar Programme, which plans to establish research laboratories in both the Arctic and Antarctica. As a result, the collaboration reflects the country’s commitment to global scientific advancement.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
Dr. Al Mandous highlighted the importance of international partnerships in tackling global climate challenges. “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,” he said. Furthermore, he added that exchanging knowledge and expertise guided by equality and mutual benefit will deepen understanding of climate change. This approach will also create opportunities for researchers from both countries and reinforce the UAE’s growing role in global polar research.
The MoU covers multiple areas, including integrating FMI’s advanced space weather services. Consequently, this collaboration is expected to improve capabilities in space weather research and enable the use of AI for data analysis and operational forecasting. Additionally, broader scientific applications will benefit sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime navigation, and disaster risk management.
Enhancing Global Scientific Engagement
During his visit, Dr. Al Mandous participated in technical meetings with Finnish experts, discussing plans for UAE research laboratories in polar regions and joint research infrastructure. The sessions also explored mechanisms for the exchange of scientists and support for field research in extreme environments. Additionally, they focused on launching collaborative projects aimed at understanding climate change and its effects on ecosystems and communities.
Dr. Al Mandous also addressed ongoing reforms within the WMO, urging updates to international operational frameworks. He emphasized the need for sustainable financial support for UN agencies to prevent constraints on critical scientific programs. Professor Taalas welcomed the agreement, stating, “This MoU provides a practical framework for exchanging expertise and launching joint research projects, which will enhance global forecasting capabilities and deepen our understanding of climate change.”
Overall, this collaboration highlights the strength of UAE-Finland bilateral relations and underscores both nations’ commitment to leveraging science for sustainable development.
