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Timeline: UAE nuclear development

The UAE sees its nuclear policy, published in a white paper in April 2008, as establishing a new model through which non-nuclear states may explore and potentially deploy nuclear energy with the full support and confidence of the international community.

The UAE won’t enrich its own uranium for reactor fuel, due to political and security concerns, but instead will buy it from third parties under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The US cited the UAE policy as an example of peaceful development of nuclear-generated power. That should make the UAE nuclear programme a model for how other Middle East countries can develop nuclear power, sparking a race for atomic energy resources to meet surging 
electricity demand.

1995 Signs International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

2003 Signs IAEA agreement on nuclear safeguards.

2003 Signs IAEA convention on physical protection of nuclear material.

2006 Six members of Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) commission study on peaceful use of nuclear energy.

2007 GCC agrees with IAEA to cooperate on feasibility study for a regional nuclear power and desalination plan.

2008 Publishes white paper on nuclear energy. Brings in international nuclear experts to start work to establish main nuclear bodies, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

2009, July Bids received from 3 consortia shortlisted for contract to build a fleet of reactors.

Oct 4 UAE approves federal legislation establishing FANR.

Dec 16 US-UAE nuclear cooperation deal comes into force. Government-to government deals.

Dec 23 Abu Dhabi announces formation of ENEC.

Dec 27 ENEC selects Korean consortium to build first fleet of four nuclear reactors.

2012 Plans to begin construction of first reactor.

2017 First reactor due to start supplying power to the national grid.

2020 All four reactors in first fleet due for completion.

Beyond 2020 UAE expects to order more reactors to help meet its power demand.