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AUD hosts Workshop on Nuclear Energy in the UAE

27 May 2009 The American University in Dubai (AUD), in collaboration with ABSG Consulting, a leading independent global provider of Risk Management Services, held a two-day workshop entitled, "Nuclear Energy in UAE: Vision and Future". The event took place on May 26 and 27, 2009, on the AUD campus. The event was attended by AUD faculty, students and several engineers and professionals from the nuclear and renewable energy industry.

Dr. David Johnson, and Dr. Mehdi Sarram, of ABSG Consulting conducted the technical sessions, which emphasized the theme of nuclear energy in the United Arab Emirates. They elaborated on how the government of the UAE has made a decision to embark on a peaceful nuclear power program and has committed to all of the obligations brought forward by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The workshop also highlighted plans in the UAE for the construction of a few large nuclear power plants for production of electricity in the near future.

In November 2008, ABSG’s nuclear experts from the US and UK attended the MENA Nuclear Conference in Doha, Qatar, and later met with AUD’s senior management to discuss a number of activities for students and professionals interested in the technology. Commenting on the vital importance of the workshop, Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering at AUD, stressed the educational value of such an event. “As the UAE embarks on its initiative to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program, it is of utmost importance to equip our future engineers with knowledge in this field. By hosting this workshop, AUD’s School of Engineering is leading the way in educating students and professionals on the relevant technical issues, including safe and reliable operation of nuclear facilities,” said Ashmawy following the workshop closure.

ABSG Consulting has its Middle East headquarters in Dubai and has been active in the region for the past three decades. Their head office in Irvine, California, has been involved in design and risk management of energy projects in the USA and elsewhere. Since its inception in 1971, the company has expanded its capabilities by acquiring EQE International, PLG and JBF Associates, and has broadened its focus to provide services to the global market sector, thus extending its services in more than 20 countries.

David Johnson holds a Science Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering from MIT (1979). He has more than 30 years of experience in risk-based analysis for industry and government applications, including assessment of seismic vulnerabilities of transmission systems and access roadways, and plant aging. He is currently Vice President for Quantitative Risk Assessment and Management at ABSG Consulting. His expertise includes probabilistic modeling of the impact of industrial projects, the development of quantitative risk assessment methods, and the practical application of these methods to support risk management.

Mehdi Sarram holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan (1967). He has over 40 years of experience in managing multidiscipline technical groups. The scope of his experience covers US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Canadian-licensed nuclear power plants. He has worked with the NRC on regulatory and licensing issues since its establishment in 1975. His experience includes design certification of advanced light water reactors and preparation of safety analysis reports. He is a former member of the ANS Standard Steering Committee, as well as a former member of the Nuclear Energy Institute Working Group on MOX fuel. His work experience includes appointments with AREVA, Raytheon Nuclear, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Austria.