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The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its position as a global role model for the peaceful development of nuclear energy, showcasing an approach grounded in safety, transparency, and international collaboration. As countries seek reliable, low-carbon energy solutions to combat climate change, the UAE stands out with its progressive nuclear strategy.

From its inception, the UAE’s nuclear programme has prioritized openness and cooperation, forging strong ties with leading global players such as the Republic of Korea and the United States. This commitment has propelled the country to the forefront of nuclear innovation, particularly through the development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO and Managing Director of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), emphasized the importance of the UAE's clear roadmap and visionary leadership, noting that international partnerships have been key to building a trusted and efficient nuclear programme.

“We have set a model that reflects what peaceful nuclear energy development should look like in today’s world — safe, innovative, and collaborative,” said Al Hammadi in remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Championing Global Climate Goals

The UAE’s nuclear achievements were prominently showcased during COP28, where the country joined over 30 nations in pledging to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. This pledge is crucial to global efforts toward climate neutrality. Additionally, nearly 120 companies and financial institutions expressed commitment to the transition.

The UAE’s efforts are also aligned with emerging technology needs. Clean energy from nuclear sources is expected to support ambitious initiatives like ‘Stargate UAE’, a project led by a tech consortium aiming to make Abu Dhabi a global hub for AI innovation.

Strategic International Partnerships

• Korea: The cornerstone of the UAE’s programme is its long-standing collaboration with South Korea, particularly in the development of the Barakah plant. This partnership has now extended to international nuclear investments and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

• United States: Agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, TerraPower, and General Atomics support innovation in hydrogen production, advanced reactor design, and material science.

• GE Vernova: A recent agreement with GE Vernova focuses on the BWRX-300 SMR, a scalable and next-gen nuclear solution for global deployment.

Regulatory Leadership and Global Cooperation

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has been instrumental in maintaining high safety standards and fostering capacity-building agreements with international regulators, including South Korea and the U.S. The UAE has also begun exploring cooperation with China in areas like high-temperature reactors, fuel supply chains, and nuclear maintenance.

In a further expansion of its global presence, ENEC recently signed a $275 million agreement with Romania to support a new SMR project, signaling the UAE’s growing investment in international nuclear development.

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