The Abu Dhabi Police have established a new unit for nuclear security in its organisational structure to respond to nuclear emergencies and provide smart services with high professionalism and efficiency so as to protect the community and its institutions, said a report.

Located at Ruwais Police Station of the Dhafra Police Directorate (Criminal Security Sector), the new unit's terms of reference include preparation and review of response nuclear security plans, establishment of nuclear and radioactive risks registry and provision of material and human resources to run the unit, reported state news agency Wam.

Brigadier Mohammed Al Rashdi, the acting director of Criminal Security Sector, said the unit, which falls within the Abu Dhabi Police's planned operational requirements, aims to implement obligations of nuclear safety agreements, promote the culture of nuclear safety among nuclear facilities operators, deliver professional excellence and apply the highest international standards for nuclear safety and emergency response, it stated.

The unit, he said, will boast four branches for planning and development; training and exercises; follow up and licence issuance; and partner co-ordination and readiness.

"It will cooperate with local and federal departments to review emergency nuclear response plans, coordinate with local and foreign partners to conduct training and exercises to upgrade readiness for emergencies, conclude partnership and coordination agreements and assess the role of partners in nuclear security response,'' he added.