Latest news with #ChristerViktorsson
Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAE delegation visits Japan to strengthen cooperation in advanced radiotherapy
29 May 2025 17:10 TOKYO 2025 (WAM)A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, comprising representatives from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, conducted an official visit to Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation in advanced radiotherapy—particularly heavy ion therapy—as well as in related regulatory, healthcare, and research by the Director-General of FANR, Christer Viktorsson, the visit aimed to gain in-depth insights into Japan's leadership in heavy ion therapy, including regulatory frameworks, operational practices, safety protocols, and training programs required to build national capacity for utilising such the visit, the UAE delegation held high-level meetings and technical exchanges with key Japanese institutions, including Yamagata University's Heavy Ion Medical Center, the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), and Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation visit follows the UAE's recent announcement to establish the region's first heavy ion therapy centre at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a landmark initiative that underscores the country's commitment to advancing cancer care and positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for world-class oncology said, 'This visit reflects FANR's commitment to ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in medicine through global collaboration. Japan's experience in advanced radiotherapy and regulatory oversight offers valuable lessons that will help realise the UAE's vision of becoming a leader in healthcare innovation, strengthening its knowledge-based economy, and promoting medical tourism. Integrating such state-of-the-art technologies enhances the UAE's global standing in both healthcare and scientific research.'Heavy ion therapy is an advanced form of radiotherapy known for its precision and efficacy. It delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is especially effective for inoperable or treatment-resistant tumours, such as large cancers or liver metastases, and is associated with reduced treatment frequency and lower risk of secondary UAE delegation's discussions also covered regulatory licensing and oversight requirements, safety and operational standards, and the training frameworks needed to ensure a skilled workforce capable of safely managing such sophisticated technologies. This visit forms part of FANR's ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and transparency in the UAE's nuclear and radiation sectors.
Emirates 24/7
17-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE marks Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers
The UAE today observed the Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers, which was approved by the UAE Cabinet in January 2023 to mark the anniversary of the 16th of February 2020, when the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) issued the licence to operate unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. The Professional Day highlights the success stories, achievements, and dedication of workers in the UAE's nuclear and radiation sector. It aims to recognise their contributions to the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, which has positioned the country as a global model for emerging nuclear nations. Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), said, 'The Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers is an opportunity to honour the relentless efforts of some 20,000 nuclear and radiation workers in the UAE for their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear and radiation materials and technologies. Their contributions not only drive innovation and progress but also safeguard lives and the environment.' 'As the UAE celebrates this year as the Year of Community, FANR joins all stakeholders in shouldering its responsibilities to regulate the nuclear and radiation sector to ensure the protection of the community, workers and the environment,' added Viktorsson. According to Aayda Shehhi, Director of Radiation Safety at FANR, the Radiation Protection Committee dedicated its 2024 efforts to enhancing the UAE's radiation safety infrastructure. These initiatives demonstrate the UAE's commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards within the nuclear and radiation sectors. The progress achieved in the nuclear and radiation sector in the country is the result of the wise vision of the UAE's leadership and the government as well as the effective cooperation of the partners over the years. The UAE's impact on the nuclear and radiation sector has been recognised internationally. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among others, commended the country for its robust radiation protection infrastructure. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
05-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE's FANR to Launch Transformational Projects for Nuclear Safety and Regulation
The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) is set to implement a series of transformational projects supporting the national vision "We the UAE 2031." These initiatives aim to enhance nuclear safety and security while expanding the UAE's international cooperation in the field. Christer Viktorsson, FANR's Director-General, highlighted at a press briefing in Abu Dhabi that the authority will continue sharing its expertise with nuclear newcomer countries. The UAE will host the 8th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection in October 2025, welcoming around 600 experts to discuss radiation protection and advancements. In response to global nuclear energy trends, including COP28's pledge to triple nuclear energy by 2050, FANR is strengthening its regulatory framework to support the UAE's economy and ensure public safety. Key efforts include oversight of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, where the recent commercial operation of Unit 4 marked a historic milestone. FANR is also integrating AI into nuclear regulation, launching its AI Strategy and collaborating internationally to advance its deployment in the sector. The UAE will participate in a high-level roundtable on AI's role in Small Modular Reactors at the upcoming World Government Summit. Throughout 2024, FANR conducted extensive inspections, certifying 267 reactor operators, overseeing 47 safety inspections at Barakah, and carrying out 50 safeguards-related inspections. Additionally, 1,090 licenses and over 1,600 import and export permits were issued for radiation facilities. The authority also strengthened emergency preparedness through international collaboration, including joint exercises with Saudi Arabia. The UAE has joined 43 countries in the IAEA's Response and Assistance Network, reinforcing its role as a global leader in nuclear safety and regulatory excellence. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
04-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation to launch transformational projects in 2025
UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) will further launch a number of transformational projects to support the UAE Government in achieving the vision 'We the UAE 2031" to make the UAE 'the most secure and safe country in the world', covering radiation safety and safeguards. "We plan to expand our international cooperation by exporting the UAE's expertise to nuclear newcomer countries to learn about the UAE's journey of building and operating a four-unit nuclear power plant. We will host the 8th International Symposium on the System of the Radiological Protection, to be held in October 2025 in Abu Dhabi where almost 600 experts will discuss recent trends and developments in radiation protection and applications, among other aspects,'' Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, told a press briefing in Abu Dhabi today. 'Taking into consideration the nuclear landscape developments, the COP28 pledge to triple nuclear energy by 2050 and the introduction of new technologies such as SMR and AI, we will develop strategies strengthen the regulatory framework which will support the UAE's economy and carry out our mission to protect the public, workers and the environment,' he said. Speaking about some of key milestones in 2024 and areas of focus during 2025, Viktorsson said FANR will contribute to the UAE vision to ensure the safe and secure operation of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and regulate the sector in the UAE by developing and implementing its robust regulatory framework and systems which will further advance this industry. 'As part of our efforts to innovate in our nuclear regulatory activities, we aim to launch this year the FANR Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will focus on harnessing state-of-the-art technologies into the nuclear sector. We appointed last year Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, who is working with national and international partners to develop the strategy and support the sector. We aim to join the Trilateral Principles Paper on the Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Activities signed with the USA, Canada and UK.' During the upcoming World Government Summit, he stated, FANR will join a High-Level Roundtable on The Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Small Modular Reactors, which will be organised by FANR, the UAE's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and the Nuclear Energy Agency and to be attended by 20 high level national and international nuclear officials. "In September 2024, the UAE achieved a historic milestone when the Unit 4 of Barakah Nuclear Power plant entered commercial operations; hence, joining the previous three units in delivering electricity around-the-clock to the national grid and contributing to meeting the UAE's energy needs. FANR continued its robust oversight of the nuclear power plant by conducting 47 safety inspections in the areas of refueling, outage, Power Ascension Test and others. With the four units commercially operational, the UAE has become a successful role model for nuclear newcomer countries, who have shown interest to learn from FANR about its journey and experience from construction to operations.'' FANR, he added, certified 267 Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, as per our licensing requirements, to ensure their readiness and competency in operating the nuclear power plant. According to Viktorsson, FANR continues to carry out its mission as stipulated by the UAE's nuclear law that mandates it to regulate the nation's nuclear sector for peaceful purposes. In 2024, FANR carried out 50 safeguards-related inspections, as well as 96 import and export control inspections, to ensure the licensees' compliance with FANR's regulations. 'FANR continues its mission to regulate radioactive sources, physical protection of nuclear material & nuclear facilities. In 2024, 58 security regulatory inspections conducted for licensee facilities using radioactive material and carried out 195 inspections for radioactive source transport vehicles. FANR conducted seven security-related inspections at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to review all arrangement and implementation to ensure they are in compliance with regulatory requirements,' he further added. Meanwhile, FANR continued its regulatory mission by licensing and inspecting facilities that are using radiation sources, carrying out 210 inspections in medical and non-medical facilities. It also issued a total of 1,090 licenses for facilities and over 1600 import and export permits. In addition, FANR's Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory which is responsible for providing calibration services for radiation measurement equipment , carried out over 1,120 calibrations to customers from the UAE and abroad. FANR, he said, continued its efforts to boost its research and development capability as well as initiated safety-related R&D work with other partners. In 2024, FANR Board of Management approved its updated Research and Development Policy, which supports the development of regulatory infrastructure and operational capabilities. In 2024, FANR was engaged in 15 research collaboration agreements with many countries covering reactor materials, waste management, and radiation safety infrastructure, among others. In addition, FANR continued its emergency preparedness activities by conducting and taking part in 18 nationally and internationally drills, including response efforts to trans-national nuclear emergencies as well as organizing 13 training workshops through its Emergency Operations Centre. Our emergency preparedness activities also included a joint exercise with our counterpart the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response systems between the two countries. Demonstrating its robust capabilities, the UAE joined 43 countries under the IAEA's Response and Assistance Network, where it expresses readiness to provide international assistance to countries during a nuclear or radiological emergency. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
