Called ‘The Policy of the UAE on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy’, the document sets out a path for the UAE to implement a nuclear energy programme.

It was developed over six months in consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the governments of France, the US, the UK, Russia, China, Japan, Germany and South Korea. The federation’s Council of Ministers endorsed the document in March.

“In-depth studies carved out by government entities have shown that nuclear energy represents a commercial, competitive and environmentally-friendly option for the secure generation of electricity in the UAE, particularly in light of future projected shortages of natural gas,” says Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE’s Foreign Minister.

The UAE is expected to enter into agreements with nuclear-experienced countries to build nuclear reactors and transfer nuclear technology.