IAEA praises UAE’s safe and peaceful nuclear programme amidst regional security concerns

Rafael Mariano Grossi, who is the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (or IAEA, as some might call it), has given some pretty positive remarks about the UAE’s efforts in building a nuclear programme focused on peace. He made sure to highlight that safety, openness, and working together on an international level are emphasised at the centre of their approach.

During a formal visit to the UAE , which included a stop at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant , Grossi had the chance to meet with engineers and nuclear specialists from the country’s sector. He also got a look at some of their training facilities, including those advanced simulator systems that are quite impressive. Accompanying him was Hamad Al Kaabi, deputy chairman of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, along with other representatives from FANR.

Grossi pointed out that the UAE had successfully developed an integrated civilian nuclear programme that meets the highest safety and security standards. He also emphasised how important it is for the UAE to keep working closely with the IAEA , to keep nuclear safety strong and to help broaden the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

These comments come at a time when nuclear power is starting to regain some strategic importance worldwide. Grossi mentioned that rising electricity needs, especially from heavy industry, data centres, and artificial intelligence, are making nuclear energy pretty handy as part of a secure energy mix. From his perspective, nuclear facilities are now a key element in creating a sustainable energy system that promotes economic growth.

The IAEA boss also issued a stern warning: nuclear sites should never be targets in conflict zones. He described attacks on such facilities as a serious worry for the international community , given the potentially huge risks to nuclear safety, security, the environment, and the wider economy. His message was clear: protecting nuclear infrastructure from tensions should always be a priority, and international principles should always guide those efforts.

At Barakah, Grossi didn’t hold back, condemning an attack on the plant as a serious violation of international law , a direct threat to regional stability, and to the safety of critical civilian infrastructure. He said any assault on nuclear facilities is a very dangerous escalation, and strongly called for such actions to be rejected outright.

Hamad Al Kaabi remarked that this visit reflected a long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and the IAEA, emphasising their shared goal of promoting safe, peaceful nuclear energy. He noted that this cooperation has helped the UAE develop a model that could potentially serve as a guide for other countries planning similar projects elsewhere.

The UAE has often presented its nuclear programme as an example of effective international oversight and transparency. According to officials from the Emirati side, their regulatory model centres around safety, security, radiation protection, and safeguards. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, which was set up back in 2009, oversees everything from design and construction right through operation and eventual decommissioning of nuclear sites.

This whole programme kicked off back in 2008, following the country’s policy to evaluate and possibly develop peaceful nuclear energy. That policy clearly emphasised openness, non-proliferation, and close cooperation with the IAEA. It also ruled out domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel , a move to keep the programme firmly civilian and energy-focused.

That framework remains fundamental to the UAE’s approach today. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company states that they depend heavily on advice from various international organisations, including the IAEA, to adopt best practices. Additionally, IAEA experts have visited the UAE multiple times to check emergency preparedness and other important aspects of their programme, always offering feedback and recommendations.

During Grossi’s visit, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to the seven key pillars laid out by the IAEA in 2022 , aimed at protecting nuclear facilities and bolstering safety and security measures. They talked about ongoing work in areas like emergency preparedness, enhancing national capabilities, and sticking to international standards.

While the UAE and IAEA’s relationship goes back to 1976, it really strengthened after Abu Dhabi adopted its peaceful nuclear energy policy in 2008. Their collaboration was formalised with an agreement in 2021, which runs until 2027, setting up a framework for technical planning, training, and ongoing cooperation. Emirati officials have said this arrangement supports technological development and aligns with their broader development goals.

And of course, the most visible symbol of their strategy is the Barakah plant. It supplies a steady flow of carbon-free electricity, helping meet demand and support the country’s growing industry. For the UAE, it’s also part of a wider plan to diversify energy sources and promote a knowledge-based economy.

Grossi’s visit was really about more than just symbolism. It underlined the UAE’s determination to show that its nuclear programme isn’t just commercially viable but also trusted internationally. It also reflected the IAEA’s interest in the UAE as a role model for promoting nuclear safety and safeguards beyond their borders.

For the UAE, the message was pretty clear: nuclear energy isn’t just about powering their own country , it’s also a platform for regional credibility, technical cooperation, and long-term energy planning.