Abu dhabi: The UAE Federal Public Prosecution has initiated a regional programme focused on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) criminal investigations. This programme is developed in collaboration with the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), and it involves broad participation from experts and specialists at both national and international levels.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme's launch took place at the headquarters of the UAE Federal Public Prosecution and was attended by Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, alongside various officials, experts, and specialists from within and outside the UAE. The programme is structured into five integrated training phases, aiming to enhance criminal investigation capabilities in high-risk cases and to prepare national institutions for dealing with radiological and nuclear crimes in accordance with international best practices and standards.
The programme's framework includes five key components: specialised theoretical lectures, practical workshops, field-based simulation exercises, mock court sessions, and a train-the-trainer module. Scheduled to run from November 2025 to April 2026, the programme comprehensively addresses the CBRN criminal investigation process, covering everything from incident detection to case building, prosecution file preparation, and judicial execution.
Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi highlighted that the programme's launch is consistent with the UAE's vision to advance its criminal justice and security systems, reinforcing national capabilities in managing complex and cross-border crimes. He emphasized the UAE's ongoing investment in strengthening the capabilities of its judicial and security institutions to address emerging challenges effectively.
Sultan Ibrahim Abdullah Al Juwaid, Assistant Attorney-General, during the opening ceremony, stressed the importance of implementing the programme in collaboration with the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative and with the cooperation of UNICRI.
±igo Febrel Benlloch, representing the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence, remarked on the strong relationship between the UAE and the European Union in enhancing security and criminal readiness. He noted that the UAE is becoming a pivotal partner in building regional CBRN-related capabilities.
Talgat Tulbayev, Regional Coordinator at UNICRI, expressed pride in cooperating with the UAE Public Prosecution on this pioneering project. He stated that the programme will improve the efficiency of justice systems and criminal investigations in the region, bolstering the ability of states to address this sensitive category of crimes.