As part of the MoU between NCPOR and the UAE Emirati Polar Program, Dr. Mohamed Ramy El‑Maarry and Mr. Omar Abdulrahman Aldhanhani from Khalifa University joined the 45th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.

As part of the MoU between NCPOR and the UAE Emirati Polar Program, Dr. Mohamed Ramy El‑Maarry and Mr. Omar Abdulrahman Aldhanhani from Khalifa University joined the 45th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (45ISEA) to explore the potential of Antarctic landscapes as analogues for Mars. During the expedition, Dr. El‑Maarry, a planetary scientist at Khalifa University and UAE member at Maitri Station, delivered a highly engaging lecture on cold, wet Martian‑analog geology, drawing key scientific insights from the Schirmacher Oasis in Antarctica. The talk highlighted how Antarctic terrains help improve our understanding of past and present processes on Mars. This collaboration reflects India’s commitment to supporting Asian and Global South partners in advancing polar and planetary science, as the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research hosted scientists from the Emirates Polar Program as part of international scientific cooperation. Thanks to Mr. Wassim Said (Emirates Polar Program) and Prof. Aisha Al Suwaidi (Khalifa University) for further strengthening Indo‑UAE collaboration in Antarctic research.