Abu dhabi: The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) announced the winners of the first edition of the Nuclear and Radiation Excellence Award, coinciding with the UAE's annual Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers. The event was attended by Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Management of FANR, alongside members of the Board.
According to Emirates News Agency, the award, launched in 2025, serves as a national platform to honour exceptional individuals and organisations advancing the nuclear and radiation sector across the UAE. This includes nuclear energy, radiation applications in medicine and industry, safeguards, security, and emergency preparedness. It recognises excellence in safety, innovation, leadership, and impactful contribution, aligning with FANR's mission to protect the public and the environment while supporting the safe and peaceful development of the sector.
The award also supports the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which emphasizes national pride, an innovation-driven economy, human capital development in critical sectors, and environmental sustainability. The Award features five categories across Individual and Organisational tracks: Future Leader, Best Research, Outstanding Professional, Best Innovation, and Outstanding Project or Initiative. These categories reflect the full spectrum of contributions strengthening the safety, advancement, and sustainability of the UAE's nuclear and radiation ecosystem.
FANR received a total of 90 submissions from federal and local government entities, academia, healthcare institutions, and the private sector. In the Individual Category, Shaikha Ahmad Al Shamsi from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company received the Future Leader Award, being the first female Emirati Reactor Engineer and Fuel Inspector at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Dr. Yacine Addad from Khalifa University was honoured with the Best Research Award for his work on the dispersion of dissolved pollutants in the Arabian Gulf associated with the Barakah nuclear power plant. Major Mohamed Omar Alhamed from Abu Dhabi Police was recognised with the Outstanding Professional Award for his leadership in managing radiation protection and security responsibilities.
In the Organisational Category, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) received two awards: the Outstanding Project Award for the Barakah Exercises Committee and the Best Innovation Award for developing the Metaverse Crisis - Virtual City, a training platform that uses artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and metaverse technologies for multi-agency emergency training.
Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, stated, "Today we recognise the winners of this award as we celebrate the professionals whose dedication and expertise advance the UAE's vision in nuclear and radiation, strengthen national capabilities, and reinforce the country's global leadership in the safe and secure use of nuclear and radiation technologies."
In 2023, the UAE Cabinet designated 16th February as the Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers, recognising professionals whose work underpins the development and success of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy programme and broader radiation sector. The date marks the issuance of the licence to operate Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in 2020.
Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of FANR, remarked on the significance of the date, noting it as a milestone in the UAE's nuclear journey and a testament to the nation's ambition and capability. Al Kaabi highlighted the transformation from limited expertise to a powerful national capability, with Emirati experts now contributing to and leading international committees and platforms.