Opening Address by H. Alkaabi [International Conference on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Maintaining Continuous Global Control of Sources throughout their Life Cycle, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), 27-31 October 2013]

Whenever the topic of safety and security of radioactive sources is discussed, the issue of the long term management of and funding for disused sources arises. The absence of clear routes for the safe and secure handling of disused sources, including legacy sources, is a vulnerability of the existing international system. The long title of this Conference — maintaining continuous global control of sources throughout their life cycle — reminds us that the life cycle of control needs to include the end-of-useful-life stage. Here in the United Arab Emirates, we believe that we have made progress in securing the radioactive sources used in our industries. You will hear about FANR's (Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation) regulations both for the safety and security of radioactive sources. More importantly, you will hear about the practical arrangements we are implementing, working with licensees, to see that effective security plans and arrangements are put in place: both for sources at company headquarters and in the field, and also in transport