United Arab Emirates

Country Spotlight

The United Arab Emirates does not have nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons programs, but does possess ballistic and cruise missiles. The UAE operates the first nuclear power plant on the Arabian Peninsula, and its civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S. is considered the “Gold Standard” for nonproliferation.

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Region Middle East and North Africa

3 Reactor units operational at Barakah nuclear power plant

$10 million Donated to the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in Kazakhstan

2 THAAD air and missile defense batteries deployed

Nuclear

Signed $20 billion deal with South Korea for procurement of 4 nuclear reactors, the first of which began commercial operation in April 2021
Signed “Gold Standard” 123 agreement with U.S. in 2009, permanently relinquishing pursuit of enrichment and reprocessing capabilities
Strong supporter of peaceful nuclear energy, signed the IAEA’s Additional Protocol
Building a new nuclear power plant with four reactors, three of which are already active

Biological

Prime Minister announced in 2005 that UAE hoped to become the Middle East’s biotech hub
Built a Biotechnology & Research Park in Dubai in 2010 that houses companies like Pfizer and Amgen
Ratified the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in 2008

Missile

In January and February 2022, intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles strikes; first successful operational uses of THAAD system
Purchased Black Shaheen cruise missiles from France and the UK, and 100 ATACMS ballistic missiles from the U.S.
Acquired Scud B ballistic missiles from North Korea in late 1980s; current status unclear

Chemical

Operates large chemical industrial sector in Chemicals Industry City in Abu Dhabi
Ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2000
Does not possess a chemical weapons program

Treaties and Regimes Memberships

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NPT

The NPT is a treaty aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons through the three pillars of non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) requires countries to destroy all chemical weapons and prohibits developing, stockpiling, or using chemical weapons.

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Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM)

The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) focuses on the physical protection of peaceful use of nuclear materials.

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Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

The BTWC mandates the elimination of existing biological weapons and prohibits developing, stockpiling, or using biological and toxin weapons.

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Young Voices in International Security: Thokozani Nyasulu-Liwewe

Risky Business Jun 3, 2025

Young Voices in International Security: Thokozani Nyasulu-Liwewe

NTI’s “Young Voices” series highlights early-career professionals making their mark as part of the community of experts tackling today’s existential threats. Thokozani Nyasulu-Liwewe's remarkable career path has focused on improving health outcomes and strengthening health systems. Currently, Thokozani serves as the Clinical Lead for the District Health Office under the Ministry of Health in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. She is also a 2024 Game Changers Fellow with the Brown University Pandemic Center and Pandemic Action Network.

Safeguarding a Nuclear Energy “Boom”