The Evolution and Future of the UAE’s Safeguards Systems

Nuclear regulators face an ongoing challenge with the implementation of nuclear safeguards, given the rapid advancements in technologies and proliferation schemes witnessed throughout the years. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in the UAE has therefore deemed it pivotal to keep pace with the rapidly evolving safeguards environment and upgrade its regulatory practices, especially in the fields of licensing, Nuclear Material Accounting and Control (NMAC), information sharing and inspections. The UAE’s State System of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material (SSAC) has gone through several phases of development since the establishment of FANR, and is gradually embracing digitized and more secure methods to deliver on its mandate. In an effort to foster effectiveness and find greater efficiencies in fulfilling the UAE’s safeguards obligations and supporting the IAEA, FANR continues to enhance its nuclear safeguards processes and explore the potential of innovative digital technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) that may be deployed in the future. This paper addresses FANR’s strategy in harmonizing these advancements, highlighting the importance of R&D in regulatory approaches and the value of cooperation at regional and international levels.