Saudi Arabia plans to transition from light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities to regular safeguards by the end of 2024, a move long sought by the UN atomic watchdog, Aaswat reported on September 17.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia is forging ahead with building its nuclear power plant close to the border of Qatar. The transition to stricter oversight is expected to be completed by December 2024, pending finalisation of necessary agreements with the IAEA.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the IAEA's annual General Conference that the Kingdom has requested to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) and fully implement the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA).

“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 sustainable national development in accordance with the national requirements and within the framework of the international commitments,” added Prince Abdulaziz.

The SQP, which exempts less advanced states from many reporting obligations and inspections, has been called a "weakness" in the global non-proliferation regime by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

“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.

Saudi Arabia's nascent nuclear programme aims to include proliferation-sensitive activities like uranium enrichment.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated the Kingdom would develop nuclear weapons if regional rival Iran does.

Grossi welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision, saying it increases the IAEA's ability to verify peaceful use of nuclear material in the country. However, neither Grossi nor Prince Abdulaziz mentioned the Additional Protocol, which allows for more thorough oversight including snap inspections.