clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

Qatar approves memorandum on nuclear safety cooperation with Saudi Arabia

January 30, 2025 at 9:39 am

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) greets Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (R), Emir of Qatar ahead of the 32nd Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 19 May, 2023 [Bandar Aljaloud / Royal Court of Saudi Arabia / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]

The Qatari Cabinet has approved a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection between its Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission.

This decision was made during the Cabinet’s regular meeting yesterday morning, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

In 2006, the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) decided to conduct a joint study on the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation and water desalination.

The six GCC countries agreed to carry out an initial feasibility study, followed by a detailed assessment and an implementation plan.

The results of the detailed study, completed in 2010, confirmed the technical and economic feasibility of establishing a joint nuclear power plant.

In December 2023, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering various fields during their leadership of the Joint Coordination Council meeting in Doha.

READ: Business boom builds Qatar-Saudi entente as Gulf rift fades