UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Development at First China-GCC Forum in Chengdu
Chengdu, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its dedication to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, international collaboration, and climate action through its active participation in the inaugural China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology, held in Chengdu, China.
Under the theme “Atoms for a Better Home,” the forum convened senior officials, regulatory authorities, and energy experts from China and GCC member states to promote strategic cooperation in the fields of nuclear science and technology.
Representing the UAE, Rashid Al Falahi, Government Affairs and International Cooperation Manager at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), delivered the country’s national statement. He underscored the UAE’s enduring strategic partnership with China, founded on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to innovation-driven development.
Al Falahi highlighted the UAE’s robust regulatory and operational framework for nuclear energy, which has positioned the nation as a regional model for the peaceful application of nuclear technology. The statement further emphasized the UAE’s alignment with international safety standards and its proactive approach to transparency and cooperation.
As part of the forum’s agenda, the UAE delegation conducted a series of high-level technical visits to notable nuclear facilities across China. These included a state-of-the-art fusion research centre, Chengdu Gaotong Isotope Company, and the ACP100 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) site — a showcase of China’s leadership in advanced nuclear technology.
Discussions during these visits explored opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy systems and the exchange of technical expertise.
The UAE’s nuclear cooperation with China was formalized in 2018 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FANR and China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration. This foundational agreement has since enabled sustained collaboration in areas such as nuclear safety, regulatory harmonization, and emergency preparedness.
As the forum continues, the UAE reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with China and GCC countries across the nuclear value chain — from policymaking and education to advanced technologies and safety regulation. The UAE remains a vocal advocate for peaceful nuclear energy as a vital component of global energy transition efforts and climate change mitigation.
