Barakah:Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have praised the United Arab Emirates for its robust emergency preparedness and response capabilities during an advisory mission to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. This mission, conducted from October 12 to 20, 2026, was part of the UAE's ongoing collaboration with the IAEA to enhance nuclear safety and security measures.
According to Emirates News Agency, the mission followed a visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in June 2026, during which he emphasized the importance of protecting nuclear facilities in line with international standards. Grossi also commended the UAE for its quick response to a drone strike on an electrical generator outside the Barakah plant on May 17, 2026, noting the actions taken to maintain safety during the incident.
The advisory mission, requested by the UAE government, reviewed the safety arrangements at the Barakah plant, focusing on emergency preparedness and response capabilities, as well as lessons learned. The review was aligned with the IAEA's Seven Indispensable Pillars for Nuclear Safety and Security, which guide the UAE's efforts in maintaining safety and security amid regional conflicts.
During the mission, IAEA experts visited the plant and engaged in discussions with representatives from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company. The team identified several good practices, including the UAE's effective adoption of the IAEA's safety pillars, its swift response and regulatory oversight post-incident, and its ongoing efforts to strengthen operational safety and infrastructure resilience.
The mission also offered recommendations for further improvements in emergency preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and stakeholder coordination to enhance nuclear safety and security. The UAE's comprehensive national emergency preparedness system includes an integrated response plan, a network of emergency operations centers, regular drills, and close international cooperation.
In 2021, the UAE demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation by hosting the IAEA's ConvEx-3 exercise, one of the largest global nuclear emergency exercises, with participation from 75 countries and 12 international organizations.