Saudi Arabia has announced its decision to enrich and sell uranium, a move seen as a masterstroke for the nation. Uranium, a rare and highly sought-after resource, is used as fuel in nuclear power plants. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman understands that petroleum resources will eventually deplete. As a result, Saudi Arabia is actively reducing its reliance on oil and aligning its strategies with future needs. Under Prince Salman’s leadership, the country has been shifting away from strict Wahhabi ideology in recent years and is making efforts to portray itself as a progressive nation.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, said, “We will enrich it, sell it, and produce ‘yellowcake’.” He referred to the concentrated uranium powder used for producing nuclear reactor fuel, which requires careful handling to minimize radiation risks. Saudi Arabia anticipates substantial revenue from exporting uranium and other minerals, ensuring a steady income even after petroleum resources are exhausted.
The announcement serves as the latest signal of Saudi Arabia’s growing nuclear ambitions. The kingdom has shown a consistent interest in building a nuclear power sector and has held discussions with the United States about nuclear cooperation, reportedly tied to broader regional diplomatic negotiations.
At present, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran are the only nations in the Middle East with active nuclear power plants, while Egypt and Turkey are in the process of constructing their own facilities. The UAE has plans to construct a second nuclear power plant, which would bring its total number of reactors to eight. However, it has explicitly stated that it will not pursue uranium enrichment.
Why the world is surprised by Saudi Arabia’s announcement?
Saudi Arabia currently has a nascent nuclear program. Its efforts to enrich uranium signify ambitions to expand its nuclear capabilities. However, considering Saudi Arabia’s potential aspirations for nuclear weapons, this development is a sensitive issue. Riyadh clarified that it intends to diversify its energy mix by utilizing nuclear power. Yet, the scope of Saudi nuclear ambitions remains uncertain. Notably, in 2018, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that if regional rival Iran develops nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would pursue the same.
UAE leads in nuclear power among Gulf nations
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the only Arab country with an operational nuclear power plant. It operates multiple units of its nuclear energy program. However, the UAE has committed not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent fuel. Last year, the UAE announced plans to end the lighter monitoring of its nuclear facilities by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog and transition to regular safeguards by the end of 2024.
Saudi Arabia yet to launch its reactor
Saudi Arabia has not yet activated its first nuclear reactor. Under an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Saudi Arabia is allowed to operate low-capacity nuclear reactors under the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP). This agreement provides exemptions from several reporting and inspection obligations for countries with limited nuclear capabilities.
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