Abu dhabi: The UAE has successfully fulfilled its nuclear non-proliferation obligations under agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as stated by Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), during a media briefing. Viktorsson emphasized that 78 percent of FANR's nuclear inspectors are UAE nationals.
According to Emirates News Agency, FANR has ensured comprehensive oversight of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant with 36 inspections conducted, amounting to nearly 1,300 person-days across various safety and non-proliferation aspects. Barakah is the largest electricity source in the UAE, providing 25 percent of the nation's power, with all four units operational. In 2025, FANR certified over 40 Reactor Operators, increasing the total certified personnel at Barakah to 300, crucial for the plant's safe operations.
Unit 1 of Barakah is entering its fifth operational year, and FANR is reviewing the Periodic Safety Review submitted by Nawah Energy Company, focusing on plant design and safety culture. FANR also managed refuelling and maintenance across all units. In non-proliferation efforts, FANR conducted 48 safeguards inspections and 98 import-export control inspections in 2025, achieving the IAEA's 'broader conclusion' status for the third year, the highest assurance level.
FANR enhanced cooperation with the IAEA through the UAE Safeguards Support Programme and aided Bangladesh under the IAEA's COMPASS initiative. In nuclear security, FANR performed 59 regulatory inspections at facilities and 322 inspections of radioactive transport vehicles, integrating its Vehicle Inspection System with UAE's Federal Traffic System, reducing licensing time significantly.
FANR received recognition for cyber resilience and issued numerous licences and permits for radiation sources. The National Programme for Qualifying Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Workers, launched in 2024, saw its first cohort graduate. FANR engaged in emergency drills and training, and initiated the Regulatory Research Programme in 2025 to support national research.
The authority employs 245 staff, 79 percent Emirati, and launched educational initiatives at the University of Sharjah. FANR signed multiple memoranda with partners and adopted the 2027-2029 strategy to enhance the UAE's regulatory framework, focusing on governance, safety, security, and emergency preparedness.