RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) intends to assign an information technology company the task of developing an electronic platform for passing and exchanging communications in the event of nuclear and radiological emergencies, Al-Watan newspaper reported. The commission, through this platform, aims to provide a unified and effective system for exchanging communications, information and data during radiological and nuclear emergency response operations among all national agencies that are members of the National Plan for Radiological and Nuclear Emergency Response. The NRRC strives to draw up policies and regulations that ensure control over nuclear and radiological activities, practices and facilities, as well as framing regulations for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, and verifying their application, as well as monitoring the export, import and circulation of nuclear materials, nuclear and radioactive items, and working out requirements for preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies. In July 2021, Saudi Arabia extended the largest contribution, amounting to $10 million, to establish the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, in light of its global efforts to strengthen the international security system, combat nuclear terrorism, combat illicit trafficking in nuclear materials, and physical protection of nuclear and radiological facilities, as well as strengthening countries' capabilities in strengthening nuclear security and countering nuclear terrorism. It is noteworthy that the NRRC was established following a decision of the Council of Ministers on Jamad Al-Thani 25, 1439, and the commission enjoys public legal personality and financial and administrative independence, and is organizationally linked to the prime minister. The NRRC is mandated with the following tasks: Regulate activities, practices and facilities of the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation; protect humans and the environment from any actual or potential radiation exposure, including exposure to natural radiation; control and ensure the safety and security of such uses and their compliance with nuclear safeguards; and implement Saudi Arabia's international obligations under the relevant treaties and conventions. The commission's duties and responsibilities include the following: draw up policies and regulations that ensure control over nuclear and radiological activities, practices, and facilities; laying down regulations related to safety, security and nuclear safeguards, and verifying their implementation; monitoring the export, import and circulation of nuclear materials, nuclear related items and radioactive sources; chalk out the necessary requirements for preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies; oversight and inspection of activities, practices and facilities within its competence; enhancing awareness about the dangers of ionizing radiation; cooperation with government agencies and similar bodies in other countries and international organizations; representing the Kingdom before the IAEA and other international organizations; and do what is necessary as the commission deems necessary to protect humans and the environment from the dangers of ionizing radiation.
