United Arab Emirates has become the first Middle Eastern nation to take Australian uranium.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb met with UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah in Abu Dhabi to witness a 2012 agreement entering into force.
The UAE aims to set up four nuclear power plants by 2020.
Mr Robb said the UAE is a responsible user of nuclear energy for civilian purposes and the deal will open up a new long-term market for Australian uranium producers.
Australia exported 8391 tonnes of uranium in 2012/13, worth about $823 million.
From 2020, the UAE aims to import about 800 tonnes a year.
The agreement negotiated by the former Labor government in 2012 covers the safe handling and security of radioactive material, restrictions on re-export and guarantees of use for peaceful purposes.
It bans the use of Australian nuclear material for weapons or explosive devices.
