Al-Monitor is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the highest levels, as well as by media, thought and business leaders and academia.

Saudi Arabia plans to scrap light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities by the U.N. atomic watchdog and switch to regular safeguards by the end of this year, the kingdom said on Monday, a step the watchdog has long been calling for.

By bne Gulf bureau 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.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz underlined on Monday the importance of the nuclear security and safety system and that the responsibility for maintaining this system within any country rests entirely with the state in line with its national requirements and international obligations.

Saudi Arabia is preparing to shift from minimal oversight of its nuclear facilities by the United Nations atomic watchdog to more stringent safeguards. The change comes as part of the kingdom's broader ambitions to expand its nuclear program,