The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has published its annual report for 2024, detailing its activities and accomplishments in ensuring the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and radiological sources in the United Arab Emirates.

The report indicates that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has contributed 25% of the UAE's electricity needs.

FANR's regulatory activities at the Barakah plant were conducted by resident inspectors, along with additional inspectors dispatched from the Authority's headquarters.

Throughout the year, FANR executed 20 inspections focused on nuclear safety aspects including construction, testing, operational readiness, and performance evaluations of the reactors.

All four units of the Barakah facility are currently operational.

In alignment with the 'We are the UAE 2031' vision, aimed at making the UAE one of the safest countries in the world, FANR has launched two transformative projects.

The first is the Smart Nuclear Safety Dashboard system, designed to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants against climate change impacts.

The second initiative is the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response Team Training Program (Tahiya), developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, which aims to train approximately 3,000 responders, including police and civil defense personnel, in nuclear emergency response.

FANR has also worked to improve the efficiency of its services consistent with the government’s aim to reduce bureaucratic procedures, bolstering the country's leadership and competitiveness on a global scale, contributing to the goals outlined in the 'UAE Centennial 2071' vision.

Additionally, the authority has reinforced the UAE’s commitment to artificial intelligence by appointing a Chief Executive Officer for AI, to strengthen its strategies and capabilities in this domain.

FANR continued its regulatory oversight on the utilization of radioactive materials and physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities.

In 2024, it conducted 58 targeted inspections related to the security of facilities utilizing radioactive materials and performed 195 inspections focused on the transportation of such materials.

Seven nuclear security inspections were specifically conducted at the Barakah facility.

FANR collaborates with the National Guard to ensure the security of the power plant and coordinates with national partners to secure nuclear and radiological safety during public events.

The Authority also ensured the peaceful use of nuclear materials in the UAE by completing 50 inspections concerning compliance with guarantees, including 96 inspections related to import and export controls, confirming that licensees adhere to regulations.

Throughout the year, FANR issued six licenses related to safety, security, and regulatory compliance, as well as 20 licenses pertaining to import and export controls.

In its regulatory oversight role, FANR conducted 210 inspections across facilities using radioactive materials, including 106 medical facilities and 104 non-medical establishments.

The Authority issued 1,090 licenses, which included 163 new licenses, 489 amendments to existing licenses, and 438 renewals.