IT may be more than just a little ironic that the oil- and gas-rich Mideast could prove to be a leader in the civilian use of nuclear energy. In 2006, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) overturned a one year-old nuclear-free policy in favor of a common policy to develop nuclear power. Already, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE have announced nuclear development plans and interest has been expressed by nearby Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The UAE is expected to be the first to have reactors up and running with the first power station slated to be on-line by 2016. The interests of the UAE in terms of nuclear power are common to those of Saudi Arabia. Demand for electricity in the UAE is surging as its cities have burgeoned from fishing communities into teeming population centers. Locally mined natural gas is not only in limited supply, it is also a significant source of export revenue. On both fronts, it would be counterproductive to increase its domestic consumption. Increased domestic use of carbon fuels would also contribute to the Emirates' carbon footprint, leaving the country vulnerable should global powers impose a tax, which is currently under consideration on carbon emissions in response to global warming. In contrast to oil and natural gas, nuclear power is clean, renewable and relatively cheap. As the Kingdom moves forward with the construction of its “economic cities,” it will face the same issues that have prompted the UAE to move quickly towards diversifying its energy sources. In the near future, the Kingdom will also find itself obliged to develop clean, renewable and cheap sources of energy for its growing population. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has already pledged about $300 million for research and development of alternative energy sources, placing emphasis on the promising carbon-capture technology. Rather than wait for that technology to become functional, however, the Kingdom should follow the UAE's lead and move seriously towards developing nuclear energy as a power source. The move should be transparent, involve the international community and meet the highest of international standards so as to allay even the slightest concerns regarding the ultimate use of its reactors, the exact opposite of Iran's behavior in this field. A nuclear Mideast can, indeed, be a point of pride, peace and a sign of brotherhood with the international community. Saudi Arabia has the means to be in the forefront of such a development. It should find the will, as well. __
