Dubai: The UAE Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum, organized by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), has officially started in Dubai. The event has drawn over 80 experts from both national and international arenas to deliberate on the present state of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and nuclear import-export control systems.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, themed ‘Harnessing Innovation in Nuclear Non-Proliferation’, spans three days and brings together experts to share their knowledge on nuclear non-proliferation and import-export controls. Throughout the event, various topics will be explored, including global nuclear non-proliferation policies, export control regimes, country case studies, the use of artificial intelligence, enforcement, national perspectives, and capacity-building efforts.
During the proceedings, experts are set to present their experiences and evaluation methodologies, highlighting effective practices and discussing opportunities to enhance c
ooperation in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation system. FANR’s Director-General, Christer Viktorsson, emphasized the forum’s role as a crucial platform for discussing current challenges in global nuclear non-proliferation, aiming to ensure nuclear materials are used solely for peaceful purposes. He noted that the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme aligns with the UAE’s Nuclear Policy, which supports nuclear non-proliferation and a commitment to international conventions through the development and enforcement of integrated safeguards systems.
The UAE serves as a role model for nuclear newcomer countries, having built four reactors simultaneously at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, becoming the first Arab nation to operate a nuclear power plant. The nation’s Energy Programme adheres to six principles outlined in its nuclear policy, including operational transparency, non-proliferation, safety, security, and sustainability.
In 2023, the UAE signed the Administrative Arrangement with the International Atom
ic Energy Agency (IAEA) and launched its Safeguards Support Programme to enhance the effectiveness of IAEA’s safeguards. IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi has acknowledged the UAE’s contributions to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
