UAE Strengthens Nuclear Facility Security in 2026 Index
The UAE has recorded a sharp improvement in nuclear facility security. Its Security and Control Measures score rose from 66 to 86 in the 2026 NTI Nuclear Security Index.
The country also ranked joint fourth among 48 countries assessed for protection of nuclear facilities against sabotage, according to the 2026 Nuclear Threat Initiative Nuclear Security Index. The UAE received an overall score of 87 out of 100 in the category, seven points higher than in 2023.
Security and control score rises 20 points
The UAE recorded one of its strongest improvements in Security and Control Measures, where its score increased by 20 points to 86 out of 100. The category covers physical protection, control measures, insider-threat prevention, response capabilities, cybersecurity and security culture. The UAE ranked fifth among the 48 countries assessed in this area.
NTI attributed the improvement to several regulatory developments. These include stronger requirements for nuclear facility protection, updated cybersecurity provisions, and enhanced personnel certification and vetting requirements.
UAE nuclear security in numbers
87/100 overall score for protecting facilities against sabotage
4th among 48 countries assessed
86/100 for Security and Control Measures
20-point increase from 66 in 2023
The assessment also found that the UAE requires physical protection as a condition for licensing nuclear facilities. Access to vital areas must be limited to authorized personnel, while regulations require identity verification and access records for protected areas.
Cybersecurity included in facility protection
Cybersecurity forms part of the UAE’s wider nuclear security framework.
According to NTI, the country has introduced requirements for active cybersecurity programs during nuclear facility construction. These are intended to address supply-chain risks, vendor vetting, equipment testing and potential vulnerabilities.
The UAE has also updated requirements covering sensitive digital assets to include safety- and security-related systems in nuclear facilities.
UAE strengthens emergency preparedness
The 2026 Index also highlights changes in emergency preparedness. The UAE is one of four countries that have introduced annual testing requirements for all-hazards plans since the 2023 edition of the Index. Such plans are designed to protect nuclear infrastructure against natural and human-made emergencies and form part of wider facility resilience and response arrangements.
Emergency preparedness upgrade
The UAE is one of four countries, alongside Brazil, India and Switzerland, that introduced annual testing requirements for all-hazards plans since the 2023 NTI Index.
The UAE operates the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which supplies around a quarter of the country’s electricity. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation oversees the country’s nuclear facilities and nuclear and radioactive materials.
NTI said the UAE’s progress reflects the development of its nuclear security system alongside the growth of its relatively young nuclear energy program.
