"Safety has been designed into every phase of our program. It is an integral part of our approach, our culture and any reactor design we build," Al Kaabi said.

"There will be lessons learned from Japan that will enable the industry to improve the rigorous safety practices that are already in place around the world," Al Kaabi added.

"The Arabian Gulf is not an area with a history of tsunami activity. Still, the Braka power plants are designed to withstand a significant tsunami event, it is part of the design requirements" WAM quoted Al Kaabi as saying.

“The APR1400 nuclear power plant, a third-generation reactor design from South Korean company, KEPCO, is proven technology with many advanced safety features. With this technology, the UAE's reactors will boast some of the highest safety levels in the world today."

"Nuclear energy emerged as the right choice for the UAE to diversify its electricity supply. In making this choice UAE recognized the importance and responsibility of ensuring highest standards nuclear safety and protection of public as a fundament principle."

Reports say that up to a quarter of the UAE's electricity could come from nuclear energy by 2020.

Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had  attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed atomic plant last  Monday. The event took place at Braka in the Western Region of  Abu Dhabi, approximately 53 kilometers west-southwest of the city of Ruwais.

During the ground-breaking ceremony, Lee Myung-bak also dismissed concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants. He said Korea will make all efforts to ensure the safety of nuclear reactors in the United Arab Emirates. 

According to Al Kaabi, extensive analysis went into the site selection.

"A comprehensive study was conducted by a team of international experts before selecting Braka as the proposed site. One of the most important factors in choosing Braka was the fact that it is in an area with a very low probability of earthquakes - what is called low seismicity." 

Ambassador Al Kaabi, a Purdue-trained nuclear engineer, has been heavily involved in the UAE's nuclear energy program from the very beginning. He is also a board member of the UAE's nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), an independent federal agency charged with regulation and licensing of all nuclear energy activities in the UAE with public safety as its primary objective.