IAEA Commends UAE’s Exemplary Emergency Preparedness at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
International experts have praised the Emirates' robust safety protocols and swift response capabilities following a comprehensive advisory mission to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has commended the United Arab Emirates for its exceptional emergency preparedness and response capabilities during an advisory mission to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, conducted from 12 to 20 October 2026. The mission formed part of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to enhancing nuclear safety, security and emergency preparedness arrangements through continued cooperation with the IAEA.
The advisory visit followed remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during his June 2026 visit to the Emirates, wherein he emphasised the paramount importance of protecting nuclear facilities in accordance with recognised international principles and standards. Director General Grossi particularly commended the UAE’s swift and effective response to an incident affecting electrical infrastructure at the facility in May 2026, underlining the nation’s steadfast commitment to maintaining safety throughout challenging circumstances.
Undertaken at the request of the UAE government, the mission undertook a comprehensive review of safety arrangements, emergency preparedness and response capabilities, and lessons learned from recent experiences. The examination was conducted within the framework of the IAEA’s Seven Indispensable Pillars for Nuclear Safety and Security, which have guided the nation’s efforts to preserve the integrity and security of the facility throughout the regional context.
During their visit, IAEA experts engaged in substantive discussions with representatives and technical specialists from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, gaining valuable insights into the facility’s operational excellence and regulatory oversight.
The mission team identified numerous exemplary practices, including the UAE’s adoption of the IAEA’s foundational safety pillars, its effective regulatory oversight and response protocols, and its continued dedication to strengthening operational safety, staff preparedness and infrastructure resilience through systematic lessons learned processes.
The IAEA has identified further opportunities for enhancement, including the strengthening of emergency preparedness and response arrangements, reinforcement of critical infrastructure reliability and resilience, and enhanced coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of nuclear safety and security measures across all operational domains.
The Emirates maintains a comprehensive national emergency preparedness and response system specifically designed to address nuclear and radiological emergencies. This sophisticated framework encompasses an integrated national emergency response plan, a network of emergency operations centres throughout the country, regular training drills and exercises, and close coordination with both national and international partners. In recognition of its commitment to international cooperation and emergency preparedness, the UAE hosted the IAEA’s ConvEx-3 exercise in 2021, one of the world’s most significant international nuclear emergency exercises, which drew participation from 75 countries and 12 international organisations.
Source: WAM