On 1 December, Dr. Hussain Khansaheb, a UAE national and a marine engineer with nearly two decades of experience, is set to join Ice Station 2025, an expedition by 2041 Foundation. Led by world-renowned polar explorer and climate advocate, Robert Swan OBE, the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Union Glacier combines climate education, scientific learning and leadership training in one of the world’s most critical environmental frontiers.
Supported by Dubai Holding, the transformative 12-day learning programme will enable Dr. Khansaheb to build practical leadership skills and deepen his understanding of global climate systems. The experience will equip him to lead climate education and action that addresses the future of the Antarctic, advances the UAE’s sustainability ambitions and inspires future sustainability champions.
Alongside other global changemakers, including students, scientists and climate advocates, Dr. Khansaheb will learn the importance of protecting Antarctica and the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem. He will support ongoing research and take part in intensive polar training, including glacier travel, overnight camping under Antarctica’s 24-hour sunlit sky and cross-country skiing.
Dr
Khansaheb, the Executive Director of Marine Engineering at Dubai Holding Real Estate, embarks on this expedition as Dubai Holding’s inaugural National Sustainability Champion. In this role, he is responsible for driving meaningful climate education within and beyond the organisation. His firsthand expedition experience will provide crucial insight into the real-world implications of climate change and emphasise the need for collective action.
The trip will begin with Dr. Khansaheb’s arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile; he will then fly to Antarctica, spending seven days exploring the Union Glacier with hiking expeditions to Elephant’s Head, Rhodes Bluff, Fossil Garden, Buchanan Hills and Drake Icefall (subject to weather conditions). He will also observe NASA’s ongoing research into dry permafrost before his return to the UAE.
In the UAE, Dr. Khansaheb will share his experiences and insights through speaking engagements with local schools and communities, deepening the public’s understanding of global environmental challenges and inspiring action towards the UAE’s broader sustainability ambitions in line with the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
WHY ANTARCTICA?
The future of Antarctica, home to 90% of Earth’s ice, has direct implications on global ecosystems and economies. Accelerated ice melt poses a significant threat to coastal communities, including the UAE, which is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns.
Dr. Khansaheb’s expedition will enhance local understanding of the planet’s interconnectedness. It provides the opportunity to explore parallel solutions in mitigating environmental challenges common between the UAE and Antarctica’s desert ecosystems.
This expedition aligns with the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda, including support of the Antarctic Treaty System and the Emirates Polar Programme.