Mar 28, 2022
28 March 2022, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: national and international experts are convening this week to discuss the current situation of the global nuclear non-proliferation as well as nuclear import and export control systems in a three-day forum hosted by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Entitled “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum: Emerging Challenges & Opportunities in the 21st Century”, it brings together national and international experts to share knowledge and expertise in regards to nuclear non-proliferations and import-export controls. During the forum, experts presented their experiences and methodologies to evaluate their relevant systems, highlighting good practices as well as discussing cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation system.
In his keynote speech, FANR’s Director-General Christer Viktorsson stressed that: “as part of its commitments to achieve the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation, the UAE has committed to implement a strengthened nuclear import-export control system and a comprehensive and transparent safeguards system to respond effectively and eliminate in advance any diversion of nuclear material, including illicit trafficking during , export-import of nuclear material, and nuclear-related dual-use items. The forum represents a platform that gathers international experts to discuss the current and future opportunities in regards to nuclear non-proliferation as well as share knowledge to hammer out recommendations aimed at strengthening existing measures.”
The United Arab Emirates is considered a role model for nuclear newcomer countries as it is the first country globally in three decades to build four reactors at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant simultaneously. The UAE has become the first Arab country to operate a nuclear power plant. The UAE Energy Programme is built around the six commitments as stated in its adopted nuclear policy including operational transparency, highest standards of non-proliferation, highest standards of safety and security and sustainability.
Since FANR was setup in 2009 to regulate the nuclear sector in the UAE, it has established a robust import and export control of nuclear material and regulated Items, including regulations, inspections and licensing, to block and respond effectively to illicit trade of nuclear material or regulated items. Such regulatory infrastructure is consistent with international obligations and national policy goals. FANR launched in 2018 the NuTech Portal, which is an important tool to monitor nuclear-related transfers in the UAE. Such a state-of-the-art systems have been integrated with national entities and played an important role in facilitating business transactions and supported UAE’s efforts to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, FANR developed the Fawri Tick system to support UAE’s efforts to combat the financing of proliferation of WMD.
FANR has strong cooperation with international partners including and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and fully compliant with its international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation obligations.