UAE celebrates its nuclear professionals: Enterprise

February 17, 2023

Following the approval of the country’s cabinet, the UAE will celebrate the Career Day for Workers in the Nuclear and Radiation Sector on 16 February every year.

Hamad Ali Al Kaabi kicks off the UAE’s first career day (Image: FANR)

The Professional Day is the brainchild of the country’s nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), to raise awareness and share knowledge on the UAE’s achievements and significant progress in the development of the nuclear and radiation sector. It also aims to celebrate the work and efforts of the professionals behind the UAE’s nuclear energy programme, which has been hailed as a role model for the nuclear newcomer nation.

February 16 was chosen because it marks the date in 2020 when FANR issued a license to operate Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the first nuclear reactor built and operated in the region.

Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, said the annual celebration “will reveal the success stories, achievements and tireless efforts of the UAE’s nuclear and radiation sector” and FANR Said the vice-chairman of the management board while launching the professional day.

“In 2008, the UAE launched a peaceful nuclear program that has been in development for many years. The UAE’s success has been due to the fact that human capital – the most valuable capital – has been the cornerstone of the programme. This includes professionals, the nuclear and radiation sectors workers, Emiratis and expatriates, working in the public and private sectors, industry, healthcare and more,” he said.

Two Korean-designed APR-1400 units are now in commercial operation at Barakah, making the plant the largest single source of clean electricity in the region. Unit 3 was connected to the UAE grid last October and unit 4 is in the final stages of construction.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News