UAE Presents National Report on Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management

On March 19, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presented its Fifth National Report on the safety of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management at the 8th review meeting of the Joint Convention, hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

The UAE is a key participant in the Joint Convention, which requires countries to ensure safety in managing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. The UAE’s delegation was led by Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the Permanent Representative to the IAEA, and included representatives from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

Ambassador Al Kaabi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to the highest nuclear safety and security standards, in line with global obligations. He highlighted the country’s focus on transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement in managing radioactive waste. The UAE’s efforts include advanced technologies, a strong regulatory framework, and long-term strategies to ensure the sustainable and safe management of nuclear waste.

The UAE’s National Report outlines regulatory measures adopted to comply with the Joint Convention’s requirements. FANR has created guidelines on radiation protection, waste management, and decommissioning nuclear facilities. The UAE’s approach reflects its commitment to international best practices.

Barakah Nuclear Power Plant’s Role in Waste Storage

A key element of the UAE’s strategy is the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. This plant has been designed with sufficient capacity to store spent fuel in pools for 20 years before transferring it to dry storage. In 2023, FANR granted a license for the construction of a Low-Level Waste Management Facility, which marks a significant step in the UAE’s radioactive waste management efforts.

The UAE’s National Report also covers the management of radioactive waste from medical and industrial sectors. Facilities that use regulated materials follow FANR’s rules for the temporary and permanent storage of waste, ensuring secure transport and environmental protection. There are currently over 4,000 licensed users of radioactive materials in the UAE, including medical, industrial, and government sectors.

The UAE is also investing in building local expertise within the nuclear sector. In collaboration with UAE educational institutions, extensive training programs are being provided to develop a skilled workforce. Currently, Emiratis make up 76% of FANR’s staff, with women representing 45% of the workforce and holding 58% of leadership positions.

The Joint Convention, which came into effect in 2001, ensures countries take steps to protect people and the environment from risks associated with spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Participating countries submit a report to the IAEA every three years detailing their progress. The UAE became a signatory to the Joint Convention in 2009, demonstrating its commitment to global nuclear safety.

Through these initiatives, the UAE continues to play a responsible and active role in nuclear waste management, setting an example for other nations to follow.

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