DUBAI // Middle East countries should unite to make the region free of nuclear weapons by signing the non-proliferation treaty, says the UAE’s ambassador to the UN atomic agency.
“We are committed to supporting all efforts aiming to facilitate the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East,” Hamad Al Kaabi told the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) general conference.
“We call on all countries of the region to commit to positively contribute to the establishment of the zone.”
Mr Al Kaabi affirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing nuclear safety, security and safeguards worldwide, while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
He also gave the IAEA a progress report on construction of the UAE’s first nuclear power plant in Braka.
“Earlier this summer, the UAE began construction of the Unit 1 of Braka nuclear-power plant, making it the first country among nuclear newcomers to start the construction of a nuclear power plant in 27 years,” said Mr Al Kaabi.
An IAEA review of the UAE’s plans noted: “The mission found that the country understands the long-term commitments and responsibilities of nuclear power and is implementing its programme in line with the IAEA milestones’ approach.”
Mr Al Kaabi encouraged other countries moving to nuclear energy to take advantage of the IAEA’s integrated guidelines for the development of new nuclear energy programme.
He said the comprehensive review services had helped the Emirates remain transparent in its approach.
“My country remains keen on sharing its experience with other member states embarking on a nuclear-power programme, which is underlined through providing feedback in numerous IAEA activities, on its best practices, guiding principles, lessons learnt and challenges,” said Mr Al Kaabi.
He said the UAE had taken “stern steps” after last year’s nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.
“The construction licence that was issued by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation took into full consideration the early lessons learnt from the Fukushima Daiichi accident,” Mr Al Kaabi said.
“It included additional thorough assessment conducted in light of the Fukushima accident, which verified and enhanced safety features of the plant, especially against extreme natural events, and the consequential loss of safety functions.”
malkhan@thenational.ae
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Happy Tenant
Started: January 2019
Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana
Based: Dubai
Sector: Technology, real-estate
Initial investment: Dh2.5 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 4,000
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800
Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed CVT
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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RACE RESULTS
1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 0.658sec
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 6.012
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430
5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 20.370
6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160
7. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap
8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1 lap
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1 lap
10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap
11. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) 1 lap
12. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap
13. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap
14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1 lap
15. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps
16. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 3 laps
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km