ABU DHABI,19th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has published its 2024 Annual Report, illustrating its nuclear regulatory activities and achievements to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful usage of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the United Arab Emirates.
Supporting the “We the UAE 2031” vision that aims to make the UAE the most secure and safe country in the world, FANR launched two transformational projects: the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety (IONS) system, which will enhance the safety of nuclear power plants against the effects of climate change; and the National Programme for Qualifying Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Workers (TAHYAA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, which aims to train almost 3,000 emergency workers from first responders in nuclear emergency response.
FANR worked to improve the efficiency of its services in line with the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, that serves the country’s strategy, enhances its leadership and global competitiveness, and constitutes a qualitative addition to the efforts to achieve the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071. Furthermore, FANR demonstrated its commitment to innovation by designating a Chief AI Officer, who will develop the regulator’s strategy for AI implementation and develop staff capacities in this regard.
FANR carried out its regulatory activities at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) through its resident inspectors and other deployed inspectors from its headquarters. These activities included 20 nuclear safety inspections of the BNPP, which covered site construction, commissioning, operational readiness, power ascension testing, and Reactor Operator Certification. All four units of the facility are operating and providing 25% of the UAE’s electricity demands.
FANR maintained its mission to regulate radioactive sources, physical protection of nuclear material & nuclear facilities. In 2024, 58 security regulatory inspections were conducted for licensee facilities using radioactive material and carried out and an additional 195 inspections for radioactive source transport vehicles.
The authority also conducted seven nuclear security inspections of the BNPP. Meanwhile, FANR works with the National Guard Command in the physical protection of the Power Plant as well as working with national partners to ensure nuclear and radiation security in major public events.
Moreover, FANR continued to ensure the peacefulness of activities using nuclear material in the country, conducting 50 safeguards-related inspections, as well as 96 import & export control inspections, to ensure the licensees’ compliance with FANR’s regulations. Additionally, FANR issued six licences that cover safety, security, and safeguards; and 20 licences specifically related to import-export control.
FANR continued its regulatory mission by licensing and inspecting facilities that are using radiation sources, carrying out 210 inspections in 106 medical and 104 non-medical facilities. FANR issued 1,090 licences, comprising 163 new licences, 489 amendment licences and 438 renewal licences.
The UAE's Radiation Protection Committee, which is chaired by FANR, launched a pioneering white paper entitled “Research and Development in Radiological Protection in the United Arab Emirates", marking the first comprehensive programme of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The white paper is a significant milestone in the UAE's commitment to advancing radiation safety, sustainability, and innovation in nuclear science and technology.
In addition, FANR’s Emergency Operations Centre continued playing an important role to ensure readiness to respond to any nuclear or radiological emergencies by building and maintaining capabilities. It conducted and took part in 18 drills nationally and internationally drills, including response efforts to trans-national nuclear emergencies as well as organised 11 training workshops through its Emergency Operations Centre. FANR’s emergency preparedness activities also included a joint exercise with our counterpart the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response systems between the two countries.
Throughout 2024 FANR maintained its strong international presence, with FANR being appointed to the IAEA’s Commission on Safety Standards, and the IAEA’s Steering Committee on Regulatory Capacity Building, as well as the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation.
Additionally, FANR was awarded the Best Employee Benefits & Well-being Strategy in the Public & Government Sector at the GCC GOV HR & Youth Awards Conference, as well as the Internal Quality Assessment Award 2024 from the UAE Internal Auditors Association. The Board of Management also approved the audited financial statement for 2024 which was presented fairly.
On building Emirati capacity front, FANR continued to place utmost priority to train and equip Emiratis with nuclear expertise to ensure the sustainability of the regulatory mandate. In 2024, FANR maintained the implementation of its capacity building programmes to invest in local talents such as Developee Programme, Scholarship, Leadership Programme and Inspector Qualification Programme. FANR employs over 250 people of which 76% are Emiratis and women represent 45% of its workforce.