UAE Nuclear Programme Reaches Key Milestone,

United Arab Emirates has signed the first of its kind deal that would help it emerge as one of the leading players in advanced energy technologies in the Gulf region. After months of negotiations, United Arab Emirates and United States finally sealed off a 123 Agreement meant to govern peaceful nuclear cooperation.

For many Western observers, this accord marks a positive step forward. The UAE made the significant move of subjecting its nuclear ambitions to international safeguards through the IAEA. Through its decision to be transparent and practice the best in nonproliferation, it set a real model for others in the Middle East to contribute to allaying all these global concerns that so often stall nuclear progress.

The UAE, with seven emirates united under a progressive federation, had always looked at various ways to diversify its economy and minimize its reliance on oil exports. It was then aware that energy demand would double within a decade; having developed alternate sources of power formed a strategic priority of the young Gulf nation. Nuclear energy appeared as an opportunity for powering sustainable growth for the decades to come.

Key partners like the US, France and UK signaled their willingness to support the UAE's civil peaceful programme. However, the signing of the 123 Agreement remained a pre-condition for the transfer of nuclear material, technology and components from US companies. The recent agreement conclusion removes a major obstacle to US-UAE cooperation and gives the way to tendering bids on the first nuclear plants.

As the UAE approaches firms such as CH2M Hill and seeks expressions of interest from international suppliers, its commitment to the highest standards of nonproliferation should be welcomed. The transaction will alter Western perceptions of nuclear power and multilateralism in a critically important economy and politically. The agreement reached recently is an encouraging step forward down the transparent nuclear pathway that the UAE is setting.