Director for IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Ali Boussaha visited the UAE for productive meetings with counterparts on opportunities for expansion in technical cooperation between the UAE and the Agency.
From 27 to 29 October, Dr. Boussaha met with officials of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the American Hospital Dubai (AHD), the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA), heads of the educational institutions such as the University of Sharjah, and the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research(KU).
The objective of the visit was to get full insight into implementation of ongoing Technical Cooperation projects in the country and discuss future activities.
While visiting project counterparts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Dr. Boussaha discussed national and regional TC projects for 2014-2015, and the planning of future projects for 2016-2017 TC cycle.
Wide range of thematic areas within the technical cooperation were discussed including current status of the UAE nuclear power programme and its key regulatory aspects such as radioactive waste management, radiation safety, capacity building. Other areas of non-power nuclear applications were also discussed such as environmental protection, agriculture and its related components, and nuclear medicine.
The discussions concluded with highlighting opportunities for expert participation and fellowship programs between the UAE and the IAEA.
This is a second visit of Dr. Boussaha to the country following his first visit in October 2012.
Background - About Technical Cooperation Programme between the UAE and the IAEA
Since joining the IAEA in 1976, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been closely working with the Technical Cooperation Department of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to benefit from the IAEA’s expertise and assistance in nuclear energy and related technologies.
UAE’s Ongoing TC National Projects:
- Supporting the Development of National Nuclear Power Infrastructure for Electricity Generation – Phase II
- Enhancing Analytical Capabilities for Environmental and Archaeological Applications – Phase II
- Establishment of Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) – Phase II
- Enhancing the Environment Monitoring – Phase II
- Implementation of Radioactive Waste Management Technology and Infrastructure– Phase II
Preparing for upcoming cycles TC 2014-2015:
UAE has initiated and finalized the development of the national TC programme for the cycle 2014-2015, with relevant national stakeholders and the IAEA TC Department.
This programme will include three projects focusing on:
- Establishing the National Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure;
- Enhancing the Protection of the Environment;
- Strengthening the National Programme on Patient Radiation Safety and Dosimetry.
Regional & Interregional TC Projects:
As part of the IAEA TC programme, the UAE participates in 29 active regional projects within Asia and the Pacific, as well as in framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and under the Arab States of Asia and the Pacific(ARASIA).
