The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) of the United Arab Emirates has participated in the 12th Technical Cooperation Meeting with the South Korea’s Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC). The nuclear regulatory cooperation gathering reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between both nations focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, while expanding active regulatory cooperation across multiple operational areas.
Technical Expertise Exchange and Regulatory Innovation
During the session on nuclear regulatory cooperation, delegates engaged in comprehensive exchanges concerning technical expertise and regulatory experiences. Conversations focused on nuclear safeguards, the physical protection of facilities, cybersecurity measures, and the deployment of artificial intelligence within nuclear regulatory activities. The meeting provided a structured environment to review operational progress in UAE-Korea nuclear regulation and share best practices.
FANR outlined several recent regulatory initiatives during the bilateral meeting. These included the adoption of Harmonised System (HS) Codes for tracking nuclear materials, alongside the digital transformation of non-proliferation operational workflows. Furthermore, FANR highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence into its proprietary NuTech platform. These digital enhancements have increased procedural efficiency, accelerated processing timelines, and preserved rigorous oversight regarding the import and export of nuclear materials and associated items.
Advancing Workforce Training and Emerging Nuclear Technologies
The nuclear regulatory cooperation meeting itinerary included an official visit by the FANR delegation to Seoul National University. While on site, representatives inspected the NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) simulator. The site tour provided practical insights into advanced training systems designed to educate future operators and nuclear industry specialists.
SMR Simulation and Academic Collaboration
The academic engagement allowed delegates to review emerging technologies and evaluate methods for future workforce development. Through continuous alignment in UAE Korea nuclear regulation, both countries aim to support technical competence and maintain readiness for upcoming technological developments within the sector.
A Sustained Bilateral Commitment to International Standards
Bilateral ties between the UAE and the Republic of Korea in this sector have been sustained since 2009. Over this period, both regulatory authorities have cooperated on nuclear safety, safeguards, nuclear security, capacity building, research initiatives, and operational experience sharing. This structured regulatory cooperation supports the safe and secure implementation of peaceful nuclear energy programs while adhering strictly to global standards and regulatory excellence.
