The UAE peaceful nuclear energy program: Unwavering transparency establishes global leadership

The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as a global role model in the safe development of nuclear energy, following the launch of its Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. Built on a robust foundation, the program has, over the span of a decade, become a benchmark for nations seeking to incorporate nuclear energy into their energy mix.

A key pillar underpinning the development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plants by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is the program’s unwavering commitment to transparency. This commitment was reaffirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its 2024 report, which granted the UAE the rating of “Full Transparency” for the third consecutive year—underscoring the nation’s steadfast compliance with international non-proliferation agreements and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

From its inception, the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program was guided by the forward-thinking vision of the country’s leadership. In April 2008, the UAE issued the “Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy,” which outlined key principles such as full transparency, the highest standards of safety and security, a strong commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, and close cooperation with international bodies—particularly the IAEA.

This vision was institutionalized with the issuance of the Nuclear Law in 2009, which enshrined these principles into national legislation, ensuring the program’s adherence to the highest global standards.

ENEC has worked diligently to foster strong collaboration with the IAEA throughout the development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plants. The IAEA has conducted approximately 15 review and inspection missions, while the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has carried out around 84 assessments to ensure adherence to global best practices. Additionally, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has conducted 496 comprehensive inspections and reviews covering all operations and procedures at Barakah.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, emphasized that the unwavering support of the UAE’s leadership and the clear roadmap set for the nuclear energy program were instrumental in the successful development of the Barakah plants. He highlighted ENEC’s commitment to complying with local regulations throughout the project’s development.

In media statements, Al Hammadi noted that this international collaboration has been vital in enhancing nuclear safety, security, and sustainable development globally. It also serves as a foundation for improving nuclear performance across all countries—whether operating large-scale programs or planning to launch new ones.

Al Hammadi praised the critical role played by national regulatory bodies and partners, whose contributions have been fundamental to the program’s achievements. He affirmed that Barakah is just the beginning, as ENEC continues to explore opportunities to develop and deploy advanced reactor technologies, and to invest in nuclear energy projects both domestically and internationally—building on the corporation’s extensive expertise and capabilities.

The UAE joined the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1976 and has since signed several key agreements to reinforce transparency and nuclear non-proliferation. In 1995, the country signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), committing to comprehensive safeguards to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

In 2003, the UAE and the IAEA signed the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, significantly enhancing the IAEA’s ability to verify nuclear activities and ensuring greater transparency in the use of nuclear materials and technologies.

The two parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation, encompassing collaboration in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy, development of human resources and infrastructure, and joint efforts to uphold the highest standards of nuclear security.

These partnerships and the UAE’s enduring commitment to international standards underscore the country’s position as a global leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.