- UAE ranks fourth among 48 countries for protection of nuclear facilities against sabotage.
- Its security and control score rose from 66 in 2023 to 86 in the 2026 NTI Index.
- NTI identifies the UAE among 12 countries driving progress in global nuclear security.
The assessment records a 20-point increase in the UAE’s security and control score, from 66 in the recalculated 2023 baseline to 86 in 2026. The category covers measures including physical protection, insider-threat prevention, response capabilities, cybersecurity and security culture.
The NTI Index, developed in partnership with Economist Enterprise, assesses nuclear security conditions across countries and areas using indicators covering security and control measures, international norms, domestic commitments and capabilities, and the wider risk environment.
According to the assessment, improvements contributing to the UAE’s higher score include strengthened requirements for nuclear facility protection, updated cybersecurity provisions, enhanced personnel vetting and measures intended to improve preparedness and resilience.
The UAE also ranked joint 15th among 154 countries and areas assessed for their contribution to international efforts to prevent the theft of nuclear materials. It received a score of 85 out of 100 in this category, two points above its recalculated 2023 baseline.
The 2026 Index identifies the UAE among 12 countries described by NTI as a new driving force for progress in global nuclear security. The group includes countries that have made sustained domestic improvements while supporting other governments and increasing engagement with international institutions.
Hamad Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), said the result reflects the UAE’s long-term approach to maintaining and strengthening its nuclear security regime.
He also highlighted the need for regulators, operators and other national entities to remain prepared as the security environment changes.
FANR regulates the UAE’s nuclear facilities and nuclear and radioactive materials, conducts inspections and oversees compliance with nuclear security requirements in coordination with other national bodies. The UAE also works with the International Atomic Energy Agency and international partners on nuclear security expertise and capability development.
The NTI’s wider 2026 assessment warns that cybersecurity requirements in many countries remain outdated or incomplete, while personnel-related security measures and regulatory capacity also require further strengthening.
