Not just ports: The UAE is examining an expansion of its nuclear program
The UAE established its civil nuclear program under strict limitations. If Saudi Arabia receives a more lenient agreement with the US, the UAE's long-standing monopoly in the field will be broken, and a new competition will begin between the two regional powers.
The UAE is not the largest country in the Persian Gulf, but in several areas, it is a clear regional leader. One of the most prominent is civil nuclear energy: the UAE is the only country among the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) members that generates electricity from nuclear energy.
The Barakah power plant, which was built by Korean specialists for the UAE in Abu Dhabi, generates about 5.6 GW from four units.
The project relies on the 123 Agreement signed between the UAE and the USA in 2009, which is defined as the "gold standard." Under this agreement, Abu Dhabi committed not to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium on its territory and to accept strict inspection requirements from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Over the years, the Emiratis have strictly maintained the agreement while simultaneously monitoring closely the rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia — until he agreed to grant Riyadh a civil nuclear program.
The silence from Abu Dhabi was not accidental: the 2009 agreement included a clause allowing the UAE to demand a renegotiation if another country in the region receives more favorable terms. According to the AGBI website, the UAE is already examining an expansion of its nuclear capabilities, relying on the existing relationship with South Korea in general and with the Hyundai corporation in particular.
If the Saudi nuclear breakthrough is implemented, the Emirati-Korean nuclear relationship may accelerate a regional nuclear race — one that will also be fueled by the ongoing competition between UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, it must be remembered that the civil nuclear agreement between Saudi Arabia and the USA is dependent and conditional upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, as President Donald Trump declared last week. If this is not approved, Saudi Arabia may turn to Pakistan or China for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
