IAEA’s body commends UAE nuclear security framework

Abu Dhabi: An international team of nuclear security experts has commended the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) for its robust and sustainable nuclear security regime.

The International Physical Protection Advisory (IPPAS) mission, assembled by the IAEA at the invitation of the UAE, concluded a 10-day mission and presented its findings in Abu Dhabi last week. The mission reviewed the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security in the UAE. It looked at the physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities and the security of radioactive material.

The UAE’s implementation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) which was ratified in 2009 and entered into force last May, was also discussed during the review.

The Convention and the 2005 amendment provide a framework for protecting nuclear material and nuclear facilities and combating nuclear terrorism.

The IPPAS has found a number of good practices in the UAE’s nuclear security regime and made recommendations and suggestions for further improvement.

“The example given today by the United Arab Emirates strongly reinforces both the value of establishing and applying IAEA Nuclear Security Guidance documents and the need to continuously share experience and practices internationally to foster the improvement of physical protection and nuclear security nationally and globally,” said Raja Adnan, director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security.

The comprehensive review is based on the requirements set out in international instruments and in IAEA recommendations and guidance.

The mission included a visit to Barakah Nuclear Power Plant as well as meetings with key entities involved in the nuclear programme. “This review will support us to ensure a strong nuclear security regime in the UAE,” said FANR director-general Christer Viktorsson. “UAE stakeholders showed their commitment to participate in this review. We intend to continue honouring this commitment by working diligently to implement the IPPAS mission’s recommendations.”

The team was led by a senior security adviser of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and included eight other experts from seven nations and the IAEA.