The Emirates Polar Program at the Arctic Circle Assembly 2025

The Emirates Polar Program delegation attended the Arctic Circle Assembly held from 16 to 18 October in Reykjavík, Iceland.

The Assembly, chaired by H.E. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, is the largest annual international gathering on Arctic affairs, brings together over 2,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including heads of state,government officials, ministers, policymakers, scientists, businesses, and Indigenous representatives to discuss pressing issues shaping the Arctic’s future. Playing a vital role in facilitating conversations for the future, the Assembly this year explored themes around sustainable development, climate resilience, ocean governance, and the role of science and innovation in addressing global environmental challenges.

As part of the Assembly’s Business Forum, the Emirates Polar Program successfully organized a high-level panel titled “Where Science Meets Business: Global Collaboration.”

The session featured a pre-recorded address by H.E. Mariam Al Mheiri, Chair of the Emirates Polar Program Steering Committee and Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, UAE.

Moderated by Wassim Said, Steering Committee Member of the Emirates Polar Program, the panel brought together distinguished experts including Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi, Polar Research Center member, and Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at Khalifa University; Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council; and Edmund Truell, Executive Chairman of the Global Interconnection Group, UK.

The session aimed to promote science-driven and solution-oriented approaches to Arctic challenges, highlight the role of investment and international collaboration in driving sustainable and inclusive growth, foster global dialogue and knowledge sharing, and explore emerging sustainable business opportunities across key sectors.