Photo Credit : WAM
The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its commitment to the responsible development of peaceful nuclear energy during its participation in the Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026 Conference in Paris.
The UAE delegation was led by Hamad Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and included representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, FANR and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC).
Co-hosted by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the United States Department of Energy, the conference brought together ministers, senior government officials and nuclear industry leaders to examine the conditions required to accelerate new nuclear energy projects worldwide.
Discussions focused on key areas including project financing, resilient supply chains, workforce development, regulatory preparedness and the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
Addressing delegates, Al Kaabi shared the UAE’s experience in developing its nuclear energy programme and outlined the country’s perspective on the future growth of the sector.
He said increasing global interest in nuclear power must be translated into projects delivered at greater scale and speed, supported by long-term national commitment, capable institutions and clear regulatory frameworks.
Al Kaabi also highlighted the importance of preparing regulatory systems for emerging nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, while ensuring that countries have access to financing, reliable nuclear fuel supplies, resilient supply chains and skilled professionals.
He stressed that the expansion of nuclear energy and the introduction of new technologies must continue alongside strong measures to protect the safety, security and physical integrity of peaceful nuclear facilities.
According to Al Kaabi, protecting nuclear facilities is a shared international responsibility and remains essential to maintaining public confidence in nuclear energy.
Drawing on the UAE’s domestic experience, he noted that all four units of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant are now in commercial operation, with nuclear power supplying approximately 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity.
He added that successful nuclear programmes depend not only on technology, but also on long-term planning, strong organisations and the development of national expertise.
The UAE said its participation in the Paris conference reflects its continued support for international cooperation and knowledge sharing in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
It also highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between governments, regulators, industry leaders, investors and international organisations as countries seek to expand nuclear energy capacity and introduce advanced technologies.
