How two Emirati scientists built research stations in Antarctica

Two Emirati scientists have established two research stations in Antarctica - one for weather monitoring and another for seismological research. The remarkable feat marks the first time the UAE and the Arab region are represented in this critical scientific endeavour.

- Nandini Sircar [e-mail]

The scientists, 32-year-old Ahmed Mansour Al Kaabi and 31-year-old Eng. Badr Alameri, who recently returned from the icy cold expanse, shared their journey in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.

Reflecting on the challenges of operating in one of the planet's most hostile environments, they recounted the gruelling conditions, logistical hurdles, and the meticulous planning that went into making their mission successful.

"Upon arrival in Antarctica, we had to immediately adjust to the extreme weather conditions while focusing on our project that needed to be completed within three weeks. With no nighttime there, we had to simulate darkness by covering the windows so as to get enough rest for the next day's tasks. Working 12-hour shifts, from 10am to 10pm for nearly three weeks, proper sleep was essential to maintain productivity," said Ahmed Mansour Al Kaabi, head of meteorological and geophysical studies section, at the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

"The weather was a huge challenge. Despite it being summer, strong winds often forced us to halt fieldwork and switch to office tasks like data collection and analysis," said Badr Alameri, senior application engineer at the NCM.

Their expedition began on December 20 with a flight from Abu Dhabi, before they reached Antarctica on December 28. The UAE team first went to Sofia (Bulgaria) and then to Rome as part of the 33rd Bulgarian Expedition, a collaborative effort involving scientists from five countries - the UAE, Spain, Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria.

From Rome, the journey continued to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then to Ushuaia (southern tip of Argentina) where they boarded a research vessel.