Alkaabi joins Nuclear Threat Initiative board

Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, is one of three new additions to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) board of directors.

The NTI is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation that seeks to reduce threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Mr Alkaabi, who is also the UAE’s special representative for international nuclear cooperation, joins Gideon Frank and Paul Otellini as the newest members of the NTI board.

Mr Frank is a former director general of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, while Mr Otellini is a former president and chief executive of Intel Corporation.

Mr Alkaabi helped to lead the initial assessment of nuclear power in the UAE, and has since served as the country’s primary interlocutor on international issues regarding nuclear energy and non-proliferation.

“Ambassador Alkaabi helps guide his country’s nuclear energy programme, the model for any country seeking a peaceful approach that doesn’t contribute to proliferation. NTI will benefit from his expertise, as we consider how to tap the opportunities of nuclear energy while minimising risks,” said Ted Turner, an NTI co-chairman.

NTI president Joan Rohlfing said the three men would “bring a unique and fresh perspective to NTI, which is critical as we develop new strategies to build a safer world”.