The defence ministry said it intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones overnight
”Analysis of future domestic electricity demand ... has concluded that peaceful nuclear power generation represents an environmentally promising and commercially competitive option which could make a significant contribution to the UAE’s economy and future energy security,” a government statement carried by the official WAM news agency said.
“The UAE intends to establish a Nuclear Energy Implementation Organisation ... and is proceeding to evaluate the establishment of a peaceful nuclear programme.”
Gulf Arab states - among the world’s largest oil and gas producers - are considering nuclear power as they look to meet escalating domestic electricity demand without burning more fuel and eating into record export revenues.
The UAE signed a deal with France during President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit in January, agreeing to cooperate on a peaceful nuclear programme.
Sarkozy, who had already signed civilian nuclear deals with Arab oil producers Algeria and Libya, has made no secret of his view that Muslim and Arab states have a right to atomic power.
A memorandum on UAE nuclear energy policy issued after a cabinet meeting on Sunday said the UAE would not enrich uranium itself but import nuclear fuel for its plants, easing any fears about the purpose of its plan.
No enrichment
The statement said the UAE would work closely with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ratify international non-proliferation and safety agreements and draw up a set of laws to govern the sector.
The statement promises to establish a nuclear regulatory authority and an international advisory board of nuclear experts as well as to seek assistance from other governments.
The UAE would offer joint ventures to foreign investors to build and operate potential power plants using only advanced third-generation light water reactors, it said.
France’s Total, Suez, and state nuclear reactor maker Areva said in January they would develop two third-generation nuclear reactors in the UAE with a possible start date of 2016.
An IAEA official told Reuters at the time that he did not expect to see a nuclear plant running in the Gulf before 2020.
When the Gulf Cooperation Council said in 2006 it was studying a joint nuclear energy programme, the announcement raised concern of a regional atomic weapons race with Iran.
Like Saudi Arabia and Qatar and other Gulf oil exporters, the UAE needs nuclear energy to meet rapidly rising demands for electricity and desalinated water.
Electricity demand in the Gulf Arab state has rocketed, straining the country’s power grid, as record oil revenues fuel economic expansion and the population mushrooms.
The defence ministry said it intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones overnight
Media reports had suggested the trip would begin as soon as Sunday and last two days
Visitors can enjoy movies with family favourites, including ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Zootopia’ to match the wild theme every evening from 8pm
Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to all eight honourees, recognising their inspiring efforts and significant contributions in service to society
His father thanked everyone who participated in the search mission despite the challenges posed by flooding in various parts of the emirate
It will be humid by night and Sunday morning with a probability of mist formation over some coastal and internal areas
Nearly 6,000 volunteers linked to a single support group are working tirelessly across the country to help those affected
Real estate developer MAG pledges to cover all the costs of necessary repairs for affected residents