The UAE is taking giant steps to bolster its nuclear safety and border controls, specifically with its neighboring country, Saudi Arabia, to alter and tune nuclear materials successfully. Christer Viktorsson, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), highlighted the importance of sturdy safeguards, which include the tracking of nuclear substances and cooperation with customs and regulatory our bodies, to make certain the protection and protection of nuclear sources within the UAE. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitments beneath global agreements, along with the safeguards settlement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and extra protocols for nuclear cloth oversight.
Strengthening Border Control Measures
The UAE shares a protracted border with Saudi Arabia, and the movement of nuclear and radiological materials across this boundary is a key location of consciousness for FANR. Viktorsson emphasized that the UAE is especially vigilant approximately tracking using radiation assets on each sides of the border, as both countries have interaction in severe utilization of those materials for civilian purposes. As a part of its obligations beneath global nuclear agreements, the UAE must often document at the nuclear materials within its borders to the IAEA. This reporting guarantees that every one nuclear materials, whether imported or exported, are carefully monitored and controlled.
“The UAE have to be aware of any nuclear substances coming into the country,” Viktorsson defined. “This is why our collaboration with customs government is vital to making sure those substances are appropriately tracked.”
To enhance these measures, the UAE has worked appreciably with Saudi government, mainly the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (SNRC), to bolster emergency preparedness and border manage protocols for nuclear materials. Joint exercises were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency reaction structures and make sure seamless cooperation in the occasion of a nuclear or radiological emergency.
Preparedness for Nuclear Emergencies
In the event of a nuclear emergency, FANR is the main authority chargeable for initiating emergency responses. The authority’s function is pivotal in ensuring that the national emergency response structures are nicely-coordinated and sturdy. FANR’s obligation includes overseeing preparedness efforts, which include undertaking inspections at nuclear facilities just like the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. In 2024 alone, FANR done three inspections on the Barakah plant to evaluate emergency preparedness and response arrangements.
FANR’s dedication to 24/7 vigilance extends to having resident inspectors stationed at Barakah, ensuring consistent monitoring of operations for safety and compliance with global standards. In the case of an emergency, FANR gives guidance to the Abu Dhabi Police, who are tasked with main the off-website online emergency response efforts. According to Viktorsson, FANR has a devoted professional to be had across the clock to respond to any nuclear-associated incidents, from minor radioactive substances being located on roads to extra extreme situations.
FANR’s collaboration with Saudi authorities additionally extends to cybersecurity, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia undertaking joint exercises to check readiness in opposition to capacity cyber threats targeting nuclear centers. This proactive method goals to guard nuclear infrastructures from virtual assaults, which can be more and more recognized as a sizeable hazard to national and global security.
Customs Cooperation and Dual-Use Materials
A important component of the UAE’s nuclear security method is the near cooperation with customs authorities to music nuclear materials and ensure their secure importation and exportation. This is especially important for substances that could have dual uses—both civilian and navy programs. FANR has carried out an digital monitoring gadget in collaboration with customs government to display the motion of nuclear substances throughout the UAE’s land, sea, and air borders.
Materials flagged for dual use go through unique scrutiny by way of FANR to prevent their misuse. Dual-use materials can pose sizable security risks if diverted for navy functions, making their law a priority for FANR. The authority is dedicated to ensuring that all nuclear-associated imports and exports observe worldwide regulations and the best safety requirements.
Expanding National and International Nuclear Security Efforts
In addition to bolstering border controls and emergency response structures, the UAE has been energetic in enhancing its nuclear safety framework through global collaborations and countrywide training programs. FANR participated in 18 national and international drills in 2024, consisting of sporting events designed to check responses to transnational nuclear emergencies. The UAE’s club within the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RAN) further demonstrates its dedication to global nuclear safety. The country’s involvement in RAN guarantees it is prepared to offer assistance at some point of nuclear or radiological emergencies, consistent with worldwide standards.
The UAE has also released the National Programme for Qualifying Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Workers (TAHYAA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. This initiative is designed to educate 3,000 Emirati emergency workers throughout diverse sectors to reply to nuclear or radiological emergencies. The software objectives to construct country wide ability in handling nuclear threats, ensuring a nicely-prepared personnel to cope with any crisis hastily and successfully.
Moreover, FANR has made significant strides in radiation protection. The Radiation Protection Committee, chaired by using FANR and which include 16 federal and nearby government entities, has contributed to initiatives in managing radioactive waste and enhancing laboratory competencies for radiation protection. These efforts are crucial to preserving a comprehensive nuclear security infrastructure in the UAE.
Conclusion
The UAE’s method to nuclear protection is a complete, multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the safe control of nuclear materials, proactive emergency preparedness, and strong international collaboration. By improving border control measures with Saudi Arabia, strengthening its regulatory framework, and improving national preparedness, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in nuclear protection and security in the area. As the country continues to expand its nuclear infrastructure, FANR’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and international cooperation stays principal to ensuring that the UAE’s nuclear sports are carried out appropriately and responsibly. Through these efforts, the UAE is contributing to global nuclear protection and reinforcing its role as a accountable steward of nuclear technology.
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