Dec 24, 2024
The Board of Management of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) recently concluded its final meeting for the year 2024, where FANR's Director-General Christer Viktorsson briefed them on the authority's regulatory activities and international cooperation.
The Board of Management visited the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant where they met with leadership of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nawah Energy Company (known now as ENEC Operations), where they were briefed on the commercial operation activities as well as learning about FANR's regulatory oversight of the facility.
The Board of Management was also briefed about the capacity building programmes and the focus provided on cementing the technical capabilities and expertise development of the UAE National staff. They were also updated on the operation progress and various aspects of the nuclear power plants' operations including the safety systems and physical and cyber security systems. The Board of Management expressed its appreciation to the efforts of FANR's resident inspectors to ensure the highest standards of safety and security at Barakah.
Furthermore, the Board of Management was presented with FANR's Regulations Master Plan (2025-2029) which sets out plans for review of the existing regulations, in addition to the issuance of new ones addressing regulatory requirements in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and radiation safety. Since its establishment in 2009, FANR has built and implemented a robust regulatory framework to ensure the UAE's nuclear sector's activities are conducted in line with international best practices in safety and security.
The Board of Management additionally discussed FANR's Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the period of 2024-2026 which will focus on enhancing nuclear and radiation safety through AI, AI-driven Research and Development Programme, and AI Governance, which will contribute to FANR's mission to protect the people, workers and the environment and position FANR as a proactive and technology-driven organization.
On another note, the Board of Management approved FANR's Research and Development Policy, which will support the development of regulatory infrastructure and operational capabilities. FANR's research activities cover aspects including, reactor materials, waste management, and radiation safety infrastructure, among others, in collaboration with national and international partners.
The Board of Management also approved FANR's hosting of 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.