Latest news with #AbdullaAlMandous
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
UAE, Finland sign MoU to boost cooperation in meteorology, polar research
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in meteorology, space weather, and polar research. The agreement was signed in Helsinki by NCM Director-General and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) President Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous and FMI Director-General Professor Petteri Taalas, during an official visit of an NCM delegation to Finland. Under the deal, both sides will strengthen institutional cooperation in scientific and operational meteorology, focusing on knowledge exchange, joint research, and best practices, with special emphasis on polar studies. The partnership also supports the UAE's Emirates Polar Programme, which aims to establish research laboratories in the Arctic and Antarctica. The MoU includes collaboration on advanced space weather services, AI-driven forecasting, and scientific applications that benefit sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime navigation, and disaster risk management. Dr. Al Mandous said the agreement reflects the UAE's commitment to international partnerships that advance climate research and solutions to global environmental challenges. Prof. Taalas welcomed the partnership, highlighting its role in expanding global forecasting capabilities and deepening understanding of climate change. The NCM delegation also held technical meetings with Finnish partners to discuss establishing joint research infrastructure, facilitating researcher exchanges, and supporting fieldwork in polar regions. The agreement underscores the growing scientific cooperation between the UAE and Finland and their shared commitment to supporting global climate and sustainability goals.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
As the Arctic heats up, the UAE has a valuable role to play
As a largely desert nation, the UAE may not strike some observers as an obvious candidate for cutting-edge polar research. However, a closer look at Tuesday's announcement that the Emirates is to work closely with Finland in better understanding the Arctic reveals the value of experience and expertise forged in the arid climate of the Arabian Gulf. As part of a deal signed by Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, president of the World Meteorological Organisation and director general of the UAE's National Centre of Meteorology, and Prof Petteri Taalas, director general of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the two countries will exchange scientists and researchers. They will also embark upon joint projects and examine the effects of climate change on ecosystems and human societies. It is a timely partnership – the Arctic is a strategically sensitive region undergoing profound change. Melting polar ice is set to open up new maritime transport routes and will allow greater access to its natural resources. According to the US Geological Survey, the Arctic contains 13 per cent of the world's undiscovered oil and 30 per cent of its gas. The region's potential has caught the eye of many global players, including US President Donald Trump who first floated the idea of buying Greenland from Denmark as far back as August 2019. Here, the UAE has a valuable contribution to make. Not only has the country learnt important developmental lessons from its often-harsh physical conditions, it has also built a formidable logistics network that connects it with countries and markets far removed from its immediate neighbourhood. Crucially, it also has decades of experience in harnessing its natural resources responsibly to support a prosperous, modern nation. Much of this has been achieved through collaboration rather than competition. Such teamwork in safeguarding and exploring the world' polar regions is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. The UAE's commitment to this approach is borne out by the country's growing number of polar partnerships. November's unveiling by the government of an Emirates Polar Programme was followed weeks later by the country's decision to join the Antarctic Treaty System, an international agreement aimed at making sure the continent is used for peaceful purposes. The UAE built on this Antarctic interest in February when it signed an agreement with Argentina to work together on scientific research and environmental conservation. A similar deal with New Zealand was struck a few weeks later. The Arctic is a strategically sensitive region undergoing profound change It is perhaps not surprising that Finland is the latest country to work with the UAE in opening up the Arctic. Writing in The National in 2023, Amna Fikri, the UAE's Ambassador to Finland, noted how 'as two small nations in difficult climates' both states 'realised and appreciated the need for co-operation, dialogue and coexistence to reach innovative and evolving solutions to rising challenges'. Ensuring a peaceful future in the Arctic is a good example of such finding 'solutions to rising challenges' but countries working together in partnership remains the best way to meet them.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE and Finland sign MoU to deepen ties in meteorology and polar research
To enhance and strengthen international collaboration, 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), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in meteorology and polar research. The agreement was formalised during an official visit by an NCM delegation to Helsinki, Finland. The visit marked an important milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in areas of scientific research and technological development. Today, I had the honor of signing an MoU between @ncmuae and @meteorologit represented by Professor Petteri Taalas, Director General of FMI, during an official visit to the Finnish capital, Helsinki. — Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous (@DrAAlMandous) August 12, 2025 UAE, Finland unite for meteorology The newly signed MoU is designed to strengthen institutional collaboration, with a clear focus on the exchange of expertise and best practices in meteorological operations and polar studies. Polar research, a key priority for the UAE, is central to this cooperation. The initiative also aligns with the UAE's Emirates Polar Programme, which envisions the establishment of research laboratories in both the Arctic and Antarctica, reflecting the country's commitment to contributing meaningfully to global scientific advancement. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Mandous emphasised the importance of international partnerships in addressing 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,' said Dr. Al Mandous. '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.' The MoU outlines several areas of joint activity, including the integration of FMI's advanced space weather services. This element of the collaboration is expected to enhance capabilities in space weather research while also enabling the use of AI for data analysis and operational forecasting. Broader scientific applications of this cooperation are anticipated to benefit sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime navigation, and disaster risk management. During his visit to Finland, Dr. Al Mandous participated in a series of technical meetings and discussions with Finnish experts. These sessions focused on plans to establish UAE research laboratories in polar regions, the development of joint research infrastructure, and mechanisms for the exchange of scientists between the two countries. Further discussions explored support for field research in extreme environments and the launch of collaborative projects aimed at deepening understanding of climate change and its effects on ecosystems and communities. As part of his broader role within the World Meteorological Organisation, Dr. Al Mandous also addressed ongoing reform initiatives within the WMO. He underscored the importance of updating international operational frameworks to better meet the evolving demands of the global meteorological community. He also called for stronger and more sustainable financial support for relevant UN agencies, stressing the need to overcome financial constraints that could hinder critical scientific programs. He concluded that effective international cooperation remains key to ensuring the resilience and progress of meteorological services worldwide. Prof. Taalas welcomed the agreement, expressing strong appreciation for the UAE's commitment to scientific advancement in climate and weather-related fields. '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,' said Prof. Taalas. '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 reflects the strength of bilateral relations between the UAE and Finland and underscores both nations' shared commitment to using science as a tool for sustainable development.
The National
5 days ago
- Science
- The National
UAE and Finland to increase collaboration in polar research and meteorology
The UAE and Finland will be working together closely in polar research and meteorology following the signing of an agreement between the nations. Under the deal, the countries are set to increase collaboration in the fields of meteorology, polar research and the development of joint scientific projects, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday. Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, president of the World Meteorological Organisation and director general of the National Centre of Meteorology, signed the agreement, along with Prof Petteri Taalas, director general of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), to strengthen co-operation in meteorology and polar research. There will now be a concerted effort to solidify institutional collaboration between both sides in scientific and operational meteorological initiatives, with a focus on exchanging expertise and best practices, particularly in polar research, Wam said. It marks a significant step in strengthening the UAE's scientific and research capabilities in meteorology and polar studies, Dr Al Mandous said. "We remain committed to collaborating with international partners and exchanging knowledge and expertise, guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit," he said. "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.' Dr Al Mandous also took part in discussions with Finnish partners, focusing on plans to establish Emirates Research Labs in polar regions, develop joint research infrastructure and facilitate the exchange of scientists and researchers between the two countries. The discussions also explored ways to support field research in polar environments and to launch projects aimed at understanding climate change and its effect on ecosystems and human societies. '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," said Prof Taalas. "This 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.'
Mid East Info
6 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE, Finland sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in meteorology, polar research - Middle East Business News and Information
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the 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), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to strengthen cooperation in meteorology and polar research. The signing took place during an official visit by an NCM delegation to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, marking a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral cooperation in meteorology, polar research, and the development of joint scientific initiatives, as part of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The MoU aims to solidify institutional collaboration between both sides in scientific and operational meteorological initiatives, with a focus on exchanging expertise and best practices, particularly in polar research, which is a key priority on the UAE's scientific agenda. It also aligns with the UAE's vision through the Emirates Polar Programme, which seeks to establish Emirates Research Labs in both the Arctic and Antarctica, supporting the country's active contribution to the global scientific research community. 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.' The MoU encompasses several areas of cooperation, including the integration of FMI's advanced space weather services, which will significantly enhance capabilities in this research area and open new opportunities for AI-driven data analysis and operational forecasting. The partnership also paves the way for scientific applications that benefit vital sectors such as agriculture, aviation, maritime navigation, and disaster risk management. During the visit, Dr. Al Mandous also participated in several technical meetings and extensive discussions with Finnish partners, focusing on plans to establish Emirates Research Labs in polar regions, develop joint research infrastructure, and facilitate the exchange of scientists and researchers between the two countries. The discussions also explored mechanisms to support field research in polar environments and to launch collaborative projects aimed at understanding climate change and its impact on ecosystems and human societies. Discussions also addressed the ongoing reform process within the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), where Dr. Al Mandous emphasised the importance of updating international operational frameworks to collectively support the evolving needs of the global meteorological community. He also stressed the need to strengthen sustainable financial support for relevant UN agencies, especially amid current financial challenges that may hinder the implementation of critical programmes. Dr. Al Mandous noted that effective international cooperation is key to ensuring the continuity and advancement of meteorological services across the globe. 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 demonstrates the strength of bilateral relations between the UAE and Finland and underscores both countries' commitment to advancing scientific partnerships that support sustainable development goals and global efforts to tackle climate challenges. It further reinforces the UAE's standing as a leading contributor to polar research and highlights its growing presence on the international scientific stage as a nation dedicated to innovation and knowledge exchange. The MoU marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the UAE and Finland, as both nations continue to expand their scientific and technical partnership to build advanced national and global capacities aimed at tackling current and future environmental and climate challenges.
