By Christer Viktorsson, Director General, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
In May 2025, the United Arab Emirates received the "Broader Conclusion" from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the third consecutive year. This designation indicates that all nuclear material in the country remains in peaceful activities, with no indication of undeclared nuclear material or activities. The assessment is based on the UAE's full implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol with the IAEA. Achieving the "Broader Conclusion" indicates that the IAEA has not identified any evidence of undeclared nuclear activities in the UAE, and that all declared material has remained exclusively in peaceful uses. This recognition is granted to a limited number of countries and reflects the effectiveness of the UAE's national nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), in overseeing compliance with international standards. FANR's regulatory framework and inspection mechanisms are central to maintaining this status. The authority works in close coordination with the IAEA and other international partners to ensure that all nuclear activities within the UAE are conducted with full transparency, in line with the country's policy and international obligations. The UAE's peaceful nuclear programme is based on the principles of its nuclear policy, which includes a clear commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. The policy prioritizes transparency, international cooperation, and compliance with global non-proliferation norms. The UAE has acceded to and implemented all relevant international agreements. These include the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which forms the foundation of the global non-proliferation regime. The UAE also maintains a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the IAEA, which allows the Agency to verify declared nuclear materials and activities. Furthermore, the UAE has ratified and fully implemented the Additional Protocol, which grants the IAEA broader rights of access to information and locations, thereby enabling more comprehensive verification. This legal framework enables the IAEA to verify the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities, and to confirm that all nuclear material within the UAE remains in peaceful use. In addition to meeting its national obligations, the UAE supports international efforts to strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Through its UAE Safeguards Support Programme, the country contributes to enhancing the IAEA's technical capabilities and helps other nations to implement effective safeguards. The UAE is one of 24 countries actively supporting the IAEA's global safeguards initiatives. It provides technical assistance to improve regulatory and verification systems, facilitates the exchange of knowledge and regulatory experience among Member States, and offers financial contributions to IAEA projects that promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology and reinforce non-proliferation commitments worldwide. The UAE remains committed to the peaceful development of nuclear energy in accordance with its national nuclear policy and international agreements. Through sustained cooperation with the IAEA, continued investment in regulatory infrastructure, and active participation in international safeguards initiatives, the UAE upholds its responsibility as a transparent and accountable nuclear energy state. These actions reaffirm its position as a regional and global leader in nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful nuclear development.