IAEA Director General Visits Gulf Region to Strengthen Nuclear Safety and Cooperation

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia following the recent drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, reinforcing nuclear safety, security and regional cooperation.

During his visit to Kuwait, Mr Grossi met with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to discuss regional developments and the IAEA’s support to countries in strengthening nuclear safety, security, emergency preparedness and response.

The discussions also highlighted cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, including applications in health, food security and environmental protection.

Mr Grossi also visited the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), where he saw efforts using nuclear science to support environmental protection.

At KISR, he also received updates on joint cooperation, including research being carried out aboad the vessel Al-Mostakshif under the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative to assess threats to marine ecosystems.

During his visit to the GCC Emergency Management Centre, discussions focused on regional cooperation in emergency preparedness and response, as well as on strengthening coordination mechanisms during nuclear or radiological emergencies.

In Doha, DG Grossi met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to discuss regional developments, including issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme, reaffirm the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation.

In Abu Dhabi, Mr Grossi met with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss nuclear safety in the country and in the region following the 17 May drone strike on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

The discussions also covered the growing role of nuclear energy in supporting energy security and economic development, along with emerging technologies such as advanced reactors and small modular reactors.

In his visit to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, he commended the response by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation following the drone attack and reaffirmed the IAEA’s support for nuclear safety and security in the UAE and the wider region.

He also met plant personnel and highlighted the importance of preparedness, resilience and transparency in ensuring the safe operation of the facility.

In Saudi Arabia, Mr Grossi met with Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman to discuss the Kingdom’s advancing civilian nuclear programme and the IAEA’s support for its safe, secure and transparent development.

Throughout the visit, Mr Grossi emphasized the importance of international cooperation, strong safety and security frameworks and the responsible use of nuclear science and technology to support development, energy security, environmental protection and human health.