UAE invites International Nuclear Advisory Service to evaluate its nuclear sector

At the request of UAE Government, senior officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the country this week to carry out a detailed evaluation of the legal, regulatory, administrative and technical arrangements implemented by the UAE to meet its international obligations in nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards including a thorough review of the State System of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material (SSAC). The visit was conducted by the IAEA's SSAC Advisory Service (ISSAS), which is made up of a team of highly experienced nuclear non-proliferation experts who have carried out similar missions in other IAEA Member States and through which they have identified best practices. The UAE is the first country in the region to embark upon a new nuclear power programme. The UAE Government has clearly stated its commitment to meeting the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation and for implementing the most up-to-date export control regime. The ISSAS review mission provides a mechanism for the UAE to benchmark its own arrangements with countries with well-established nuclear power programme and to drive towards world-class performance. The mission is in line with the UAE's approach of complete transparency and is pleased with the outcome. The ISSAS team is confident with the UAE's commitment to fully implement its international non-proliferation obligations and has highlighted many good practices by the UAE The mission was hosted by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE's regulatory body that determines all matters relating to the control and supervision of the UAE's nuclear sector. The ISSAS team examined the activities and processes employed by various key stakeholders including the Federal Customs Authority, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Customs and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The intensive week-long mission included interviews with key personnel, examined aspects such as the UAE's approach to the development of peaceful nuclear energy; a review of the nuclear law and associated FANR regulations, compliance with international export control regimes, licensing of the possession and handling of nuclear material, procedures for nuclear material accountancy and control and provision of physical protection for nuclear material. The ISSAS team will prepare a full report to be shared with the UAE in recognition of good practices and suggestions on how to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the country's non-proliferation and safeguards arrangements.