The UAE has secured fourth place globally in the 2026 Nuclear Security Index, a ranking compiled by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in cooperation with Economist Impact, which assessed 48 countries on how well they protect their nuclear facilities from sabotage.
The country's score on security and control measures climbed from 66 points in 2023 to 86 points in 2026 — a 20-point improvement in under three years. In a separate ranking measuring how well 154 countries and jurisdictions prevent the theft of nuclear materials, the UAE placed 15th globally with a score of 85 out of 100.
Hamad Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), said the UAE's strong performance reflects its long-standing commitment to building a robust and sustainable nuclear security system.
The index named the UAE among 12 globally influential, high-performing countries in nuclear security. Improvements cited in the report include enhanced cybersecurity requirements, stricter personnel vetting procedures, and increased preparedness measures against potential incidents.
The achievement comes as the UAE continues heavy investment in peaceful nuclear infrastructure, including the Barakah nuclear power plant, while working to uphold international safety and security standards alongside the sector's expansion.