While Riyadh's nuclear ambitions are not new, the cabinet's decision marks a significant step in moving towards the kingdom's renewable and atomic energy goals.

According to the World Nuclear Association, the kingdom aims to build 16 nuclear power plants over the next 25 years, at a cost of $80 billion. By 2040, nuclear power will produce 17 GWe of power, equaling 15 percent of the nation's projected needs.

Saudi Arabia and the other five Gulf Cooperation Countries began studying how to use nuclear energy in a peaceful manner back in 2006. So far, the UAE has been the member state to make the most significant gains in implementing the renewable energy technology.