FANR Advances Nuclear Safety and Emergency Readiness in UAE with Major 2024 Milestones
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting major strides in nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and regulatory innovation across the United Arab Emirates.
Aligned with the national 'We the UAE 2031' vision, FANR introduced two key initiatives: the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety (IONS) system, designed to bolster nuclear plant safety amid climate challenges, and TAHYAA, a nationwide programme to train nearly 3,000 first responders for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
Throughout 2024, FANR reinforced its regulatory oversight at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, conducting 20 safety inspections and certifying reactor operators. All four units of the plant are now fully operational, supplying 25% of the country's electricity.
The authority also maintained rigorous control over radioactive sources and materials, completing over 250 security and safeguards inspections across medical, industrial, and transport sectors. Its Emergency Operations Centre participated in 18 national and international drills, including a joint nuclear emergency response exercise with Saudi Arabia.
In a first for the GCC, FANR's Radiation Protection Committee launched a white paper on radiological research and development, underscoring the UAE's regional leadership in radiation safety and innovation.
FANR continued to modernise its services under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, appointed a Chief AI Officer to drive digital transformation, and prioritised Emirati talent development through training, scholarships, and leadership initiatives. Emiratis now make up 76% of its workforce, with women representing 45%.
Internationally, FANR secured key roles with the IAEA and the United Nations Scientific Committee, while also receiving accolades for employee wellbeing and internal quality.
The report reflects FANR's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology in the UAE.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
20-05-2025
- Hi Dubai
FANR Advances Nuclear Safety and Emergency Readiness in UAE with Major 2024 Milestones
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting major strides in nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and regulatory innovation across the United Arab Emirates. Aligned with the national 'We the UAE 2031' vision, FANR introduced two key initiatives: the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety (IONS) system, designed to bolster nuclear plant safety amid climate challenges, and TAHYAA, a nationwide programme to train nearly 3,000 first responders for nuclear and radiological emergencies. Throughout 2024, FANR reinforced its regulatory oversight at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, conducting 20 safety inspections and certifying reactor operators. All four units of the plant are now fully operational, supplying 25% of the country's electricity. The authority also maintained rigorous control over radioactive sources and materials, completing over 250 security and safeguards inspections across medical, industrial, and transport sectors. Its Emergency Operations Centre participated in 18 national and international drills, including a joint nuclear emergency response exercise with Saudi Arabia. In a first for the GCC, FANR's Radiation Protection Committee launched a white paper on radiological research and development, underscoring the UAE's regional leadership in radiation safety and innovation. FANR continued to modernise its services under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, appointed a Chief AI Officer to drive digital transformation, and prioritised Emirati talent development through training, scholarships, and leadership initiatives. Emiratis now make up 76% of its workforce, with women representing 45%. Internationally, FANR secured key roles with the IAEA and the United Nations Scientific Committee, while also receiving accolades for employee wellbeing and internal quality. The report reflects FANR's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology in the UAE. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
28-02-2025
- Hi Dubai
Future100 Initiative Expands Partnerships to Boost UAE Startup Ecosystem
The Future100 initiative has signed six new partnership agreements with leading economic, academic, and investment institutions to accelerate startup growth in the UAE's sustainable economy sectors. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to enhance the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing technical support, financing solutions, and innovative scaling opportunities for startups. The new partners include Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Oraseya Capital, DIFC Innovation Hub, Ernst & Young UAE, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and in5 Incubator. The agreements were signed in the presence of Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, with Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, representing the initiative. Alia Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, stating that the Future100 initiative plays a crucial role in supporting startups contributing to the future economy. The initiative annually recognises the top 100 startups driving innovation and economic diversification in the UAE. The partners reiterated their commitment to supporting the initiative's goals. DIFC Innovation Hub CEO Mohammed Alblooshi emphasised providing resources and expertise to empower innovators, while TECOM Group's Majed Al Suwaidi, representing in5, aligned the partnership with the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Ernst & Young UAE's Anthony O'Sullivan and MEVP's Walid Mansour expressed their dedication to identifying and scaling innovative businesses. Additionally, two agreements were signed between Future100 startups and global research institutions. P4ML partnered with the University of California's ISSCOR Center for space-based stem cell research, while Circa Biotech teamed up with Energy Absolute to establish a biofuel feedstock production facility in the UAE. Launched on World Future Day, the Future100 initiative reinforces the UAE's position as a global hub for innovation and future industries. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
20-10-2024
- Emirates 24/7
MBRSC announces Emirati crewmember for next phase of second study under UAE Analogue Programme
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced the selection of Obaid AlSuwaidi as the Emirati crewmember for the second analogue study of the UAE Analog Programme, as part of NASA's Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) Campaign 7 Mission 4, scheduled to begin on 1 November 2024. AlSuwaidi will join the primary crew, including Kristen Magas, Tiffany Snyder, and Anderson Wilder, in a 45-day mission within the 650-square-foot Human Exploration Research Analogue (HERA) facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA. The three-storey HERA habitat, designed to replicate the conditions of space exploration here on Earth, offers a unique platform for studying human adaptability to isolation and confinement. By simulating the demands of long-term space travel, such as missions to Mars, scientists aim to better understand how future astronauts will cope with the extreme physical and psychological challenges posed by deep space journeys. Throughout the mission here on Earth, the crew will undertake a variety of experiments, including a simulated 'walk' on Mars using virtual reality, along with activities like cultivating vegetables and shrimp farming. A key aspect of the HERA studies involves assessing the long-term effects of isolation and confinement on crew performance, health, and well-being. Additionally, the crew will experience communication delays with Mission Control, simulating the increasing time lags expected as they "approach" Mars. These delays, which could extend up to five minutes one way, are critical to observing how astronauts might manage similar conditions on future interplanetary missions. The four crewmembers will participate in 18 human health experiments, focusing on physiological, behavioural, and psychological responses in a controlled environment. This research will provide valuable data, which seeks to enhance human resilience and performance in spaceflight conditions. As with previous phases of the analogue study, the UAE's involvement demonstrates its growing contribution to international space exploration. Leading six of the mission's critical studies in collaboration with MBRSC are the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS). These efforts reflect the UAE's continued commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in preparation for future lunar and Martian exploration. Adnan AlRais, Assistant Director General - Space Operations and Exploration Sector, MBRSC said, 'We are pleased to announce the selection of Obaid AlSuwaidi for the next phase of the second analogue study under the UAE Analogue Programme. His involvement in this mission, in collaboration with NASA, strengthens our scientific foundation in addressing the human factors of long-duration spaceflight. The findings from this study will play a crucial role in shaping the future strategies for deep space missions, including Mars, while reinforcing the UAE's position as a key player in international space exploration. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and inspiring future generations to drive forward our vision of space exploration and scientific discovery.' Obaid AlSuwaidi, a captain engineer at the UAE Ministry of Defence, has extensive experience in civil and marine engineering, offering strategic leadership in addressing complex challenges within the organisation. During his role at the Ministry, he was instrumental in optimising productivity, setting high professional standards, and building a talented team to meet the nation's defence needs. AlSuwaidi has a bachelor's degree in engineering from Western Sydney University, Australia, a master's degree in civil and environmental engineering from George Washington University, USA and master's degree in project management from Abu Dhabi University. In addition to his professional pursuits, he is an avid horse rider, swimmer, and runner. AlSuwaidi is part of the fourth group of volunteers to participate in an analog study in HERA this year. The first phase of the second analog study of the UAE Analog Programme was completed on 11 March 2024, while the second and third phases were completed on 25 June 2024 and 23 September 2024, respectively. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
