The increasing responsiveness to the possibility of nuclear energy in meeting global demand for electricity is enormous; more than 8% comes from nuclear power plant. Several countries have utilised nuclear power reactors for their energy supplies. This demand is due to the rapid socio-economic developments. Hence, standards of living of such countries have been enhanced considerably. These can mainly be attributed to stable power generation and supply. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East, which comprises of seven fast developing emirates, is currently embarking on power generation through a peaceful nuclear energy programme. The country requires tremendous power supplies to meet their demands. The energy needs of the UAE have increased such that the traditional methods of power production do not satisfy the needs of the country. There seems to be an absence of clarity about the responsibilities of the government in terms of liability during incidents of misuse of the nuclear plants. The research therefore considers the determination of the efficacy of the country’s nuclear energy laws in dealing with potential liabilities arising from the energy programme. While determining civil and State liabilities in the UAE’s nuclear energy programme through the analysis of existing local and international laws regarding the programme, the research analyses aspects of liability and requirements for possessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes through the analysis of the natures and impacts of past Chernobyl, Fukushima, Three Mile Island and Windscale nuclear disasters to identify potential liability issues and their perpetrators. Thus, the lessons of the past will help to shape the future of UAE developments in this area. An analysis of the natures and scopes of existing nuclear energy laws in the UAE and those of the international community is conducted to determine possible flaw(s) and opportunities for the review of liability concerns for relevant parties. The research evaluates the extent to which the new UAE nuclear law addresses potential liabilities and further makes recommendations towards the effective and safe use of nuclear energy by the UAE through compliance with international best practices
