Nov 18, 2024
18 November 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: over 80 national and international experts are convening this week to discuss the current status of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime as well as nuclear import and export control systems in a three-day forum hosted by the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Entitled “UAE Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum: Harnessing Innovation in Nuclear Non-Proliferation", it brings together national and international experts to share knowledge and expertise in regards to nuclear non-proliferations and import-export controls. Over three days, the forum will address a variety of topics such as global nuclear non-proliferation policies, export control regimes, countries cases studies, use of AI, enforcement and national perspectives as well as capacity building efforts. During the forum, experts will present their experiences and methodologies to evaluate their relevant systems, highlighting good practices as well as discussing cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation system.
FANR's Director-General Christer Viktorsson stressed that: “The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum serves as an important platform where experts from various countries come together to discuss the current status and challenges facing global nuclear non-proliferation efforts to ensure all nuclear material are used solely for peaceful purposes. The UAE Nuclear Energy Programme is built upon the UAE's Nuclear Policy which calls for nuclear non-proliferation as well as a commitment to international conventions. Such a commitment is implemented by developing and enforcing integrated safeguards systems that are lauded internationally."
The United Arab Emirates is considered a role model for nuclear newcomer countries as it is the first country globally in three decades to build four reactors at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant simultaneously. The UAE has become the first Arab country to operate a nuclear power plant. The UAE Energy Programme is built around the six principles as stated in its nuclear policy including operational transparency, highest standards of non-proliferation, highest standards of safety and security and sustainability.
Since FANR was setup in 2009 to regulate the nuclear sector in the UAE, it has established a robust import and export control of nuclear material and regulated Items, including regulations, inspections and licensing, to block and respond effectively to illicit trade of nuclear material or regulated items. Such regulatory infrastructure is consistent with international obligations and national policy goals. FANR launched in 2018 the NuTech Portal, which is an important tool to monitor nuclear-related transfers in the UAE. Such state-of-the-art systems have been integrated with national entities and played an important role in facilitating business transactions and supported UAE's efforts to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, FANR developed the Fawri Tick system to support UAE's efforts to combat the financing of proliferation of WMD.
Due to the robust regulatory infrastructure and commitment to international agreements, the IAEA stated in 2023 that the UAE achieved a “Broader Conclusion" as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Safeguards Implementation Report. It is the highest level of assurance provided by the Agency that the UAE has a peaceful nuclear energy programme and in compliance with international conventions.
The UAE signed in 2023 the Administrative Arrangement with the IAEA, where the UAE launched its Safeguards Support Programme, by which it will provide knowledge and expertise that will enhance the effectiveness and efficacy of IAEA's safeguards. The IAEA's Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi recognized the UAE for its support to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.