Riyadh: The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) participated in the International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies, held from December 1st to 4th, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conference took place under the theme 'Building the Future in an Evolving World', bringing together senior officials, regulators, and technical experts to discuss global advancements in emergency preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological incidents.
According to Emirates News Agency, FANR's involvement underscores the UAE's dedication to bolstering emergency preparedness, enhancing national readiness, and contributing to international cooperation in this critical domain. During the event, FANR's Director-General, Christer Viktorsson, participated in a high-level session focusing on the significance of exercises in reinforcing emergency preparedness. The discussions emphasized the importance of coordinated drills and large-scale simulations for enhancing national capabilities, testing response arrangements, and supporting effective decision-making during emergencies.
FANR also chaired several high-level sessions at the conference, concentrating on essential aspects of nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response. These sessions included discussions on strengthening public health and medical response systems, improving the operational readiness and coordination of first responders, and advancing strategies for termination, recovery, and long-term response. The deliberations highlighted the necessity of integrated health-sector mechanisms, modern response tools, effective recovery planning, and the transition to normal conditions, while stressing the importance of maintaining public confidence and robust regulatory oversight throughout all phases of emergency management.
FANR's participation in the conference further builds on the UAE's commitment to safeguarding the public and the environment. This commitment is reflected in the robustness and effectiveness of its comprehensive emergency framework, which is routinely tested and validated through full-scale, multi-agency exercises, including approximately 15 national and international drills in 2025. These efforts enhance coordination with national partners and bolster the ability to respond effectively to various emergency scenarios, as well as participation in and hosting of international multi-agency exercises like the IAEA ConvEx-3 in recent years.
As the UAE's independent nuclear regulator, FANR plays a central role in developing the national Emergency Preparedness and Response System in collaboration with national entities and international partners. FANR's state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) supports decision-making, technical assessment, and real-time coordination during nuclear and radiological emergencies, serving as the UAE's National Warning Focal Point under relevant international conventions. FANR's emergency framework has been recognized for its robustness and effectiveness, reflecting the UAE's ongoing commitment to protecting public safety and the environment.