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UAE’s Nuclear Future

This deal couldn’t have come at a better time as Washington is spearheading a campaign against Tehran’s nuclear drive. This underscores the confidence that the US and the international community has in the UAE in return for commitments to follow essential safeguards. At the same time, throwing open an investment potential of $60 billion in a civilian nuclear programme is likely to serve as a catalyst in beating recessionary trends.

The ‘model’ deal can also lead to a search for methods to diversify energy needs for developing countries. The political acumen of UAE and its business transparency standards have, indeed, paved the way for the achievement. As the country holds no skeletons in its cupboard, and is in pursuit of peaceful means to develop its future energy and growth pattern, the deal can have a snowball effect for countries that wish to emulate its policies. Its strong commitments on nuclear non-proliferation had made it easier for the US Congress to approve the deal, after satisfying its conformity with international legislative standards.

The deal, popularly known as the 123 Agreement, offers a unique opportunity to stave off a looming energy shortage caused by rising demands. The UAE for quite some time had been instrumental in evolving an alternate energy source, despite housing some of the world’s largest energy reserves. A shift from hydrocarbons, of late, had become its policy objective and speaks high of the concern that the country has for a Green World. It also sheds light on its vision to shine as an oasis of development, innovation and stability in the region.

The deal, whose viability and necessity is purely commercial in nature, should not be 
interpreted as a real politik measure intended 
to counter-balance Iran. The civilian nuclear energy agreement will surely be a source of strength for the UAE, and the means to a 
vibrant future.