Security10:20 · Jul 28

UAE Considers Expanding Civil Nuclear Program Amid Regional Developments

By דין שמואל אלמס

Translated & summarized from Globes by baba

Editorial illustration generated by baba News — not a photograph of the event.

Key points

01The UAE is the only GCC country currently producing nuclear power from its Barakah plant.
02The 2009 UAE-U.S. nuclear agreement prohibits uranium enrichment and mandates strict IAEA oversight.
03Saudi Arabia seeks a civilian nuclear program, possibly with Pakistan or China if excluded from U.S. cooperation.
04The UAE can renegotiate its nuclear deal if another Gulf state receives better terms, prompting expansion plans.
05UAE-South Korea ties, especially with Hyundai, support the UAE's potential nuclear capability growth.
06Saudi Arabia's nuclear cooperation with the U.S. depends on joining the Abraham Accords, per Trump.

In this story

People

OrganizationsGulf Cooperation Council, International Atomic Energy Agency, Hyundai Heavy Industries

PlacesUnited Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, South Korea

The story · English

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as the only member state currently generating electricity from nuclear energy. Its Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, built by South Korean firms, produces approximately 5.6 gigawatts from four reactors. This project is based on a 2009 Section 123 agreement with the United States, under which the UAE committed not to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium on its soil and agreed to stringent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections.

The UAE has strictly adhered to this agreement while closely monitoring the evolving nuclear ambitions of neighboring Saudi Arabia. Recently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has pursued a civilian nuclear program, potentially supported by Pakistan or China, especially if Riyadh does not join the Abraham Accords, a prerequisite for U.S. nuclear cooperation as stated by former President Donald Trump.

The 2009 UAE-U.S. agreement includes a clause allowing the UAE to renegotiate terms if another regional country obtains more favorable nuclear arrangements. In response, the UAE is reportedly exploring expanding its nuclear capabilities, leveraging its existing ties with South Korea and Hyundai Heavy Industries. This development could accelerate a regional nuclear race, fueled by the rivalry between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions, if realized outside the U.S. framework, may prompt it to seek partnerships with Pakistan or China for nuclear power plant construction. The UAE's cautious but proactive stance reflects its desire to maintain a leading regional position in civil nuclear energy amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Gulf.

Key upcoming factors include whether Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, which would enable U.S. nuclear cooperation, and how the UAE will proceed with its nuclear expansion plans in this competitive environment.

Read the original at Globes