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Saudi Arabia Forging Ahead in Building its First Nuclear Power Plant 

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz addresses the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz addresses the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. (Saudi Energy Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia Forging Ahead in Building its First Nuclear Power Plant 

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz addresses the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. (Saudi Energy Ministry)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz addresses the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. (Saudi Energy Ministry)

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz underlined on Monday the importance of the nuclear security and safety system and that the responsibility for maintaining this system within any country rests entirely with the state in line with its national requirements and international obligations.

He also announced that the Kingdom is forging ahead in benefiting from nuclear energy.

“Given the importance of nuclear energy in social and economic development, the Kingdom is moving towards benefiting from nuclear energy and its radiation applications for peaceful purposes,” declared Prince Abdulaziz at the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

“The Kingdom continues to implement its national nuclear energy project with all its components, including the construction of its first nuclear power plant to contribute to the national energy mix and to achieve the sustainable national development in accordance with the national requirements and within the framework of the international commitments,” added Prince Abdulaziz, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission.

The Kingdom has completed the essential administrative preparations related to nuclear regulatory framework and the requirements for implementing to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and has submitted a request to the Agency in July of 2024 to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol and implement the full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, he revealed.

Saudi Arabia is currently working with the IAEA to finalize all necessary subsidiary arrangements for the Small Quantities Protocol to be effectively rescinded by the end of December of this year.

In his statement, Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the Kingdom continues to stand by its legally binding international commitments related to its national nuclear energy project. Its national legislation and institutional infrastructure satisfy all requirements for controlling nuclear materials and technology, as well as regulating exports, consistent with its obligations and fulfilling its important role under the international non-proliferation regime.

He extended his gratitude to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and the Deputy Director for Safeguards for their efforts that have allowed the Kingdom to reach this stage.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz announced that the Kingdom will host an international conference on nuclear emergencies in Riyadh at the end of 2025 as part of the Kingdom's focus on preparedness to nuclear emergencies and in recognition of the IAEA’s important role in this area.

The Kingdom is looking forward to the cooperation between countries to ensure the success of the conference, which will contribute to boosting the global response to nuclear and radiological emergencies, building on the IAEA and its International Emergency Center's work.

He also highlighted the Kingdom's participation in strengthening the radiological monitoring and early warning capabilities for nuclear incidents at the international center by providing the opportunity to benefit from its national capabilities in the global system of radiological monitoring and early warning.

The Kingdom is pleased to offer its capabilities to the IAEA and the International Emergency Center in other areas, including predicting the environmental impacts of nuclear and radiological incidents, said the minister.

“As part of developing the Kingdom's efforts in the cooperation with the IAEA, the Kingdom deposited, on August 7 its instrument for acceptance of the IAEA's Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities,” continued Prince Abdulaziz.

“The Kingdom is committed to several international instruments related to nuclear fields, including those concerning nuclear security, safety, and safeguards. The Kingdom is also collaborating with the IAEA to host a workshop on the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, which will invite states non-party to the Convention to boost global efforts towards the universality of this Convention,” he added.

Furthermore, Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the Kingdom has benefited from the IAEA's Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission, which completed its task in October 2023. He said the mission has played an effective role in assessing the national nuclear regulatory efforts and the overall integration of national nuclear regulatory framework.

It commended the Kingdom's commitment to radiation safety standards and noted the progress in the regulatory nuclear and radiological framework and the commitment to continuously developing practices according to the highest international standards.

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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)

Syria faces significant challenges as discussions intensify about the post-Bashar al-Assad era, particularly in securing the necessary revenues for the Syrian interim government to meet the country’s needs and ensure its sustainability. The widespread destruction of the economy and infrastructure poses a dual challenge: rebuilding the nation while stimulating economic activity and ensuring sufficient financial resources for governance.

Currently, the interim government relies heavily on international and regional support during the transitional phase. Donor countries are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help rebuild institutions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

However, as the country transitions, external support alone will not suffice. The government must identify sustainable revenue sources, such as managing natural resources, imposing taxes, and encouraging foreign investments.

Opportunities from the Syrian Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora is seen as a significant economic resource, contributing through remittances or involvement in reconstruction projects. However, realizing these opportunities requires the establishment of strong, transparent institutions, effective resource management, and a clear strategic plan to rebuild trust with both local and international communities.

Securing revenues for the interim government is not merely a financial challenge but also a test of its ability to lead Syria toward stability and prosperity.

Securing Economic Resources

Nasser Zuhair, head of the Economic and Diplomatic Affairs Unit at the European Policy Organization, stated that the interim government, currently led by Mohammed al-Bashir, may replicate its revenue-generating models from Idlib. Resources in Idlib were drawn from temporary measures that are insufficient for sustaining a national economy like Syria’s.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zuhair explained that these resources included taxation, fuel trade with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled areas, international aid for displaced persons in Idlib, remittances from the Syrian diaspora, and cross-border trade facilitated by Turkiye.

“The interim government believes that sanctions relief is a matter of months, after which it can begin to establish a sustainable economy. For now, it will rely on the same resources and strategies used in Idlib and other controlled areas,” Zuhair added.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the former regime’s reliance on illicit revenues, such as drug trafficking and Captagon production—estimated to account for 25% of government revenues—the interim government has several potential avenues for generating revenue.

International Aid

Zuhair emphasized that cross-border humanitarian aid indirectly supports local economies. “The current government understands that international and regional aid will be substantial in the coming period, particularly for refugee repatriation and infrastructure development,” he noted.

He added that efforts to secure funding from the Brussels Conference, which allocates about $7 billion annually to support Syria, will be critical. Strengthening ties with regional and European countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, and the UK, is also a priority. However, securing such aid depends on establishing a political framework where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) does not dominate governance.

He further noted that international and regional support will likely remain a key revenue source for the interim government, including humanitarian and developmental aid from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Taxes and Tariffs

Zuhair highlighted taxes and tariffs as essential components of the government’s revenue strategy. This includes taxing local economic activities, customs duties on cross-border trade, and fair taxes on merchants and industrialists in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

“The government can also impose income, corporate, and property taxes while improving border management to maximize revenue from customs and tariffs,” he added.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Syria’s vast and fertile agricultural lands present an opportunity for revenue generation, Zuhair underlined, explaining that taxes on agricultural products could contribute to state income. However, this sector faces logistical challenges and high production costs. By directing the agricultural sector toward self-sufficiency, the government could reduce dependence on imports and create surplus revenue, he remarked.

Additionally, managing natural resources such as oil and gas could provide a significant revenue stream if the government gains control over resource-rich areas like northeastern Syria, the official noted.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction presents another potential revenue source. International companies could be encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in exchange for fees or taxes. Public-private partnerships with local and foreign firms in sectors such as infrastructure and housing could also generate significant funds.

Remittances from the Diaspora

Zuhair stressed the importance of remittances from Syrians abroad, estimating that these transfers could reach $2 billion annually by 2025. Encouraging the diaspora to send funds to support family members and rebuild properties will be a key priority for the government.

Domestic Investments

The interim government has shown its ability to attract domestic investments in real estate, industry, commerce, and agriculture, despite international sanctions. According to Zuhair, leveraging Türkiye as an international gateway, the government could expand this model across Syria, taking advantage of the challenging economic conditions left by the previous regime to draw reasonable investments in its first year.

Tourism and Small Businesses

Revitalizing the tourism sector could directly contribute to revenue, he added, noting that restoring historical and cultural sites, once security and stability are achieved, will attract visitors and generate income.

In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises will help revive the economy and create jobs, Zuhair emphasized, pointing that supporting manufacturing industries could provide a sustainable revenue stream.