Sunday 26 March 2023 - 11:24:21 pm

FANR hosts workshop on developing nuclear security systems during major public events


ABU DHABI, 29th November, 2022 (WAM) -- The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has recently hosted the Interregional Workshop on Developing and Implementing Nuclear Security Systems and Measures for Major Public Events, which was organised in Abu Dhabi by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 21st until 25th November, 2022.

The workshop aimed at showcasing measures for the prevention, detection and response to criminal or other unauthorised acts involving nuclear or other radioactive materials at major public event.

More than 30 experts from IAEA Member States took part in the workshop to exchange information and expertise in planning, developing and implementing nuclear security systems and measures for major public events.

The workshop included some cases studies from the UAE in terms of its nuclear security arrangement especially for global events being organisation in the country as well as case studies from Egypt, Morocco and Brazil on public events, which required close nuclear security arrangements to detect any unauthorised activity using radioactive materials.

Moreover, IAEA held a tabletop exercise during the workshop where Dubai Police and FANR showcased their arrangements during the Dubai Expo 2020 technical visit.

Fahed Al Bloushi, Director of Nuclear Security, FANR, said, “The workshop provides an important platform for the IAEA Member States to present their lessons and share experience on nuclear security arrangements at public events. The main aspect of success is the close coordination with national partners as well as with the IAEA to benefit from the latter expertise in providing necessary guidance to secure such high-level events."

FANR regulates the nuclear and radiation sectors in the UAE to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful use of these materials. It has a robust regulatory framework in which it issues regulations and regulatory guides. Furthermore, it issues licences for facilities that use radioactive material to ensure the community and the environment are safe.

Hatem Mohamed/ Khoder Nashar