Countries across the Gulf region strengthened their capacity to investigate and prosecute CBRN crimes through a multidisciplinary training hosted by the UAE, implemented with the financial support of the European Union through the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative, to enhance preparedness, cooperation and judicial responses to complex CBRN risks.
Addressing CBRN Risks in the Gulf Region
Countries across the Gulf region face strategic, economic, and geopolitical conditions that heighten exposure to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks. Rapid industrial expansion, major petrochemical complexes, advanced laboratories, and busy international transport hubs increase the circulation of hazardous and dual-use materials in daily commercial activity. While essential for development, these materials may pose risks of accidental release, criminal misuse, or deliberate attacks if not adequately controlled. The region’s role as a global crossroads further amplifies vulnerabilities related to smuggling, proliferation-related financing, and regulatory exploitation, underscoring the need for strong investigative and prosecutorial capabilities.
National Leadership and Multidisciplinary Action
To address these challenges, the Attorney General’s Office of the United Arab Emirates launched a series of capacity-building programmes in November 2025 to strengthen national and regional capabilities to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN crimes. Co‑funded with the European Union’s CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative, and implemented by UNICRI, the programme supports authorities across the Gulf in detecting hazardous materials, securing crime scenes, preserving evidence, and cooperating effectively with international partners.
From 26 to 30 January 2026, the UAE hosted the Building a Case for Prosecution training course — the third phase of a pilot initiative — at the Federal Prosecution Office in Abu Dhabi. The course gathered 43 participants from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, including judges, prosecutors, investigators, police, customs officials, forensic services, and other law enforcement bodies. The opening session highlighted the growing importance of CBRN preparedness and the value of strengthening judicial and investigative cooperation across the region.
Strengthening Capacities from Crime Scene to Courtroom
The five-day programme aimed to reinforce national and regional abilities to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN crimes. Given the complexity and potential impact of such incidents, the training emphasised close collaboration among investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial actors. Participants enhanced their understanding of CBRN materials and incident types, crime scene management, evidence collection and preservation, and the importance of maintaining chain of custody. Sessions also addressed international cooperation mechanisms, including Mutual Legal Assistance, and the role of strategic trade controls in preventing the misuse of dual-use materials.
Operational Practice and International Cooperation
A strong emphasis was placed on operational practice. Participants examined crime scene zoning, detection and identification of hazardous substances, evidence packaging, and forensic analysis, including nuclear forensics as a key investigative tool. Case studies from the United Kingdom, United States, Hungary, and Iraq illustrated practical challenges and lessons learned. Discussions and exercises explored information-sharing, intelligence handling, witness management, and communication strategies, recognising their importance in maintaining public trust during CBRN incidents. Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre contributed their specialized knowledge on nuclear forensics and radiological crime scene management, illustrating their insights with practical case studies and internationally recognized best practices.
Sustainability and Next Steps
Although no CBRN-related criminal cases have yet been investigated or prosecuted in the participating Gulf countries, the programme focused on building preparedness in advance. Strengthened institutional cooperation, shared methodologies, and increased familiarity with international standards place participating authorities in a stronger position to respond effectively should such incidents occur. The theoretical course, incorporating several practical elements, will be followed by a fully practical Mock Trial simulation conducted in a courtroom setting using fictitious CBRN scenarios, supporting sustainability and potential replication.
This action was implemented with the financial support of the European Union through the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative. The training forms part of a broader EU CBRN CoE project aimed at strengthening national and regional capacities to prevent, investigate, and prosecute CBRN crimes by enhancing legal frameworks, operational coordination, and judicial expertise.
To know more: EU Global Threats Programme – EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative
