Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has published its 2024 Annual Report, illustrating its nuclear regulatory activities and achievements to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful usage of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the United Arab Emirates. Supporting the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, FANR launched two transformational projects: the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety (IONS) system and the National Programme for Qualifying Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Workers (TAHYAA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. These initiatives aim to enhance nuclear safety and train nearly 3,000 emergency workers in nuclear emergency response.
According to Emirates News Agency, FANR worked to improve the efficiency of its services in alignment with the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which enhances the UAE's leadership and global competitiveness as part of the UAE Centennial 2071 goals. FANR's commitment to innovation is reflected in the appointment of a Chief AI Officer to develop strategies for AI implementation and capacity building.
FANR conducted its regulatory activities at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) with both resident and headquarters-based inspectors. These activities included 20 nuclear safety inspections covering various operational aspects. The BNPP, with all four units operational, provides 25% of the UAE's electricity demands.
FANR continued its mission to regulate radioactive sources and nuclear facilities, conducting 58 security regulatory inspections for licensee facilities and 195 inspections for radioactive source transport vehicles in 2024. Additionally, FANR performed seven nuclear security inspections at the BNPP, collaborating with the National Guard Command for physical protection and ensuring nuclear security at major public events.
FANR ensured the peaceful use of nuclear materials in the UAE by conducting 50 safeguards-related inspections and 96 import and export control inspections, issuing six licenses for safety, security, and safeguards, and 20 for import-export control.
In the realm of radiation source usage, FANR carried out 210 inspections across medical and non-medical facilities, issuing a total of 1,090 licenses, which included new, amendment, and renewal licenses.
FANR's Radiation Protection Committee launched a pioneering white paper on 'Research and Development in Radiological Protection in the United Arab Emirates', marking a significant milestone in the GCC region for advancing radiation safety and nuclear technology.
FANR's Emergency Operations Centre played a crucial role in readiness for nuclear or radiological emergencies, participating in 18 drills and organizing 11 training workshops, including a joint exercise with the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission.
Throughout 2024, FANR maintained a strong international presence, participating in IAEA and UN committees and receiving awards for employee benefits and internal quality assessment. FANR also focused on building Emirati capacity, with 76% of its workforce being Emiratis and women representing 45%. Capacity-building programs such as the Developee Programme and Leadership Programme highlight FANR's commitment to training local talent for sustainable regulatory mandates.