Transparency makes a world of difference

The UAE is moving ahead with its nuclear programme without controversy or drama. The establishment of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation as the operating company to run the nuclear programme under the supervision of the Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation is a major step forward. The willing support of the international community and the total absence of any outcry shows how the UAE's policy of insisting on complete transparency is working.

The UAE's commitment to transparency has taken practical shape through its help in setting up a UN organisation that will work under the International Atomic Energy Authority. The new UN agency will be tasked with delivering nuclear fuel and taking spent fuel away. The UAE does not propose handling the fuel at all, and wants the new agency to manage the fuel cycle in its entirety, so that no shadow of any doubt can arise. All the UAE wants out of the power stations is the energy that they will produce.

This commitment to complete transparency and trust in the international system is in stark contrast to the attitude of other states running nuclear programmes in the region. Obvious examples include Iran, which sees enrichment and management of nuclear fuel as a national priority, and Israel, where a secret nuclear power programme has been perverted into a secret weapons programme.

The UAE's ground-breaking initiative in this sector is important internationally. Once it is up and running, the new UN agency will be available for any other state in the world to make use of. This means that all sorts of countries that are presently unable to handle the security requirements of nuclear power stations will be able to operate peaceful nuclear power programmes without fear of international suspicion.

The UAE is both moving ahead with its essential plans for energy creation and making a contribution to the international community at the same time.