Feb 04, 2025
Manage Regulatory Framework
FANR's Regulatory Framework covers all aspects of nuclear and radiation safety, security and non-proliferation. To ensure the alignment of FANR's regulatory framework with the latest international standards, such as the Safety Standards of the International Atomic Energy (IAEA) and other internationally recognised regulatory practices, FANR continued to review and revise its regulations and regulatory guides, addressing all aspects of safety, security, and safeguards. FANR's experience in licensing, inspection and enforcement activities, as well as the evolution of advanced nuclear technologies, were also taken into account. For this purpose, FANR issued a revised masterplan for regulations (2025-2029). In 2024, FANR issued the regulation on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities and on Cyber Security to cover the topic of cyber security more extensively and to address the introduction of new advanced nuclear technology in the country. FANR also issued several guides to facilitate the implementation of various regulations. FANR regulations and regulatory guides are published on FANR's website.
FANR Glossary (2024 Edition)
In 2024, FANR highlighted its robust regulatory framework and infrastructure by publishing the updated FANR Safety, Security, and Safeguards Glossary (2024 Edition) in Arabic and English. This glossary serves as a reference for key stakeholders and licensees, enhancing the efficiency of the regulatory framework, supporting public confidence, and aligning with international best practices.
Authorisation
FANR continues to regulate and license all regulated activities within the UAE, which includes the siting, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities, as well as the importing and utilisation of radioactive sources and radiation facilities in the medical field, in research, oil exploration, and other industries. Several new licences were issued and others were renewed following a review and inspection process.
Smart Approval Process for Permits
In 2024, FANR strengthened its regulatory processes for issuing import/export permits by introducing a smart approval system for predefined regulated materials such as X-ray generators, which enabled the issuance of permits thus significantly reducing time. The streamlining of this process demonstrated FANR's drive to achieve operational efficiency and innovation in regulatory approaches.
FANR's Cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police
FANR integrated the vehicle licensing system with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police to unify the mechanism for licensing vehicles and means of transporting radioactive materials in the UAE. This supported the enhancement of nuclear and radiological security in the country, and demonstrated working towards achieving the UAE Zero Government Bureaucracy goals.
Safety Reviews
In 2024, FANR received the limited scope periodic safety review request from ENEC, which was submitted by the licensee of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. This limited periodic safety review aims to evaluate the condition of the BNPP, paying particular attention to the site-specific conditions in the UAE.
Furthermore, FANR reviewed a revised risk assessment of the BNPP. The review aimed to ensure that plant modifications and operational events had been thoroughly assessed, thus maintaining alignment with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
Reactor Operators Regulatory Certification
FANR certified 267 Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to operate the nuclear power plant. In 2024, FANR renewed the certificates of more than 25 ROs and SROs after the expiry of their five-year certificates. The role of ROs and SROs is critical for the safe operation of the BNPPt.
Regulatory Oversight of Nuclear and Radiation Safety, Security, and Safeguards
FANR continued to perform its oversight activities related to nuclear and radiation safety, security, and safeguards, by carrying out inspections and other oversight activities to ensure the compliance of licensees with FANR's requirements and international obligations.
Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
FANR continued to have strong oversight over the safety, security, and safeguards of BNPP. The oversight activities included inspections carried out by FANR's resident office inspectors at Barakah and by inspectors from FANR's headquarters. An extensive range of inspections have been carried out by FANR. Moreover, FANR reviewed changes to the plant design. FANR also oversaw the commissioning activities for the Power Ascension Testing (PAT) at Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. FANR ensured that the licensee complied with FANR's regulatory requirements while upholding the highest international standards. In addition, all IAEA safeguards activities at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant were successfully facilitated by FANR in support of the UAE's international safeguards obligations. Following the completion of this phase and the issuance of the operating licence by FANR, Unit 4 successfully entered commercial operation.
Radiation Sources and Facilities
FANR continued its regulatory mission by licensing and inspecting radiation sources and facilities to ensure radiation protection in the use of all regulated materials, including import/export and the transportation of radioactive material and radiation generators used for non-nuclear purposes.
Search and Recovery Campaign for Orphan Sources
To protect the public and the environment, FANR conducts annual campaigns to recover orphan radioactive sources. By raising awareness among scrap dealers and engaging national entities, FANR ensured the safe recovery of such sources, thereby mitigating potential risks. This campaign underscores FANR's dedication to proactively addressing radiation safety challenges.
FANR's Role in Strengthening the Oversight and Resilience of Nuclear Facilities Against External Events and Climate Change Threats in the UAE
In collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), FANR launched the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety (IONS) system, to strengthen the safety and resilience of nuclear facilities against the potential impacts of climate change. IONS is expected to support the UAE's efforts to achieve its net zero goals by ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
FANR's Year of Safety Culture
FANR declared 2024 as the “Year of Safety Culture", and in line with this, significant achievements were made to enhance and promote safety practices. FANR conducted a self-assessment of safety culture within FANR, engaging over 250 employees and creating a comprehensive database to support future monitoring efforts. FANR remains committed to its core values where safety culture comes first, and a safety-first mindset has been incorporated in daily operations and will continue to be prioritised across all activities.
Capacity Building
FANR continued its capacity-building efforts to support the government's Emiratisation initiative. In 2024, the main goal of all education and training activities at FANR was to ensure Emiratis are trained and developed to have the required skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to FANR's core functions.
FANR complemented its in-house training programmes through collaboration with ENEC Operations, the IAEA, and other partner institutions in a national programme of capacity building, which offers Emiratis a range of education, training and development opportunities in the UAE and overseas.
Training sessions provided as part of FANR's internal training programme, the leadership and management development programme, the inspector qualification programme, and the “developee" programme, supported FANR's staff by equipping them with the competencies needed for carrying out its nuclear and radiation safety, security, and safeguards regulatory oversight activities.
During 2024, FANR continued to host IAEA workshops to support capacity building in the region, including the 'National Workshop on Review of Ageing Management in Limited Scope Periodic Safety Review' and 'UAE Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum: Harnessing Innovation in Nuclear Non-Proliferation'. In addition, FANR and the United States Department of Energy's International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Programme (INSEP) co-hosted a workshop in Abu Dhabi to address the global challenges of nuclear non-proliferation.
FANR continues to encourage its employees to enrol and complete the UAE government's latest Future Talents platform 'Jahiz', which aims to enhance the readiness of federal government employees and support them with future skills. In 2024, a FANR employee was awarded the Jahiz Future Readiness Race award by the Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR) for completing all the training courses available on the Jahiz platform.
FANR Chairs the IAEA Workshop on Capacity Building for Nuclear Safety
The Director of FANR's Education and Training Department chaired the workshop on Capacity Building for Nuclear Safety, in which 19 IAEA member states participated. The workshop aimed to focus on how member states will develop the national strategy requirements for capacity building.
FANR Launches Emirates Nuclear and Radiation Academy (ENRA)
FANR launched Emirates Nuclear and Radiation Academy (ENRA), a digital platform offering training and development programmes that enables meeting the current and future manpower needs in the nuclear and radiation sector in the UAE. ENRA aligns with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which seeks to make the nation a 'forward economy', reflecting the UAE's belief in the importance of human capital as the main driver of the next ten-year development plan.
The Enhancement of Radiation Infrastructure in the UAE
The national Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) was established to ensure the development of a sustainable radiation protection infrastructure in the country. In 2024,
the RPC achievements in advancing radiation protection in the UAE included:
Indoor Radon Survey Plan
The Indoor Radon Survey Plan for dwellings and workplaces was issued to serve as a foundational guide for engaging stakeholders to ensure comprehensive protection against indoor radon exposure.
Management of Radioactive Waste
A joint paper titled 'Management of Radioactive Waste Arising from a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency in the UAE' was prepared by RPC members and issued to outline the necessary arrangements to ensure the protection of both the public and the environment in the event of an emergency and a structured, efficient and compliant response to radiological incidents.
Advancing Research and Development in Radiological Protection
A white paper on 'Research and Development in Radiological Protection in the UAE' was released to identify the key challenges and opportunities to strengthen the UAE's developments in Research and Development (R&D) in radiological protection.
Strengthening the UAE's laboratory capability
A comprehensive study titled 'Gap Analysis of Laboratory Capabilities for Radioactive Analysis Across Governmental Entities in the UAE' was conducted to identify short-term and long-term recommendations to enhance laboratory capabilities and address existing gaps.
A report titled 'Enhancing the UAE's Radiation Safety Infrastructure in the Field of Biodosimetry' was issued to outline the advancements in infrastructure aimed at strengthening radiation safety and protecting the people of the UAE. These initiatives reflect the UAE's leadership in radiation protection, its commitment to public safety, and its proactive approach to addressing global challenges in radiological science and policy.
The UAE as a Destination for Medical Tourism
FANR estimated the current required number of medical physicists in the UAE and the need for medical physicists over the next five years. This estimation aims to support the UAE's national strategic goal to become a top destination for medical tourism.
Guide on Health Surveillance of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionising Radiation
FANR developed a guide titled 'Health Surveillance of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionising Radiation' to establish a comprehensive framework for protecting workers in the nuclear and radiation sectors in the UAE.
Transformational Project on Medical Imaging Justification
FANR launched a project to improve the justification of radiation exposure in medical diagnostics. By developing referral guidelines for medical imaging, the initiative supports healthcare providers in choosing the most appropriate diagnostic methods and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. This project contributes to enhancing patient safety and advancing public health, emphasising FANR's role in integrating radiation protection into medical practices.
Enhancing FANR Laboratories
FANR's Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) continued to provide domestic calibration services to radiation measurement equipment users in the medical, nuclear and industrial fields. The Environmental Laboratory continued to provide independent measurements confirming the level of radionuclide activity in the UAE.
Neutron Calibration Expansion and Accreditation
FANR's Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) completed the development of the neutron calibration capabilities, meeting the country's growing demand in this field. This effort culminated in a successful ISO17025 accreditation audit by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
FANR Leads in the GULFMET Technical Committee
The successful completion of the first GULFMET Technical Committee (2022–2024) of Ionising Radiation, chaired by FANR SSDL, was a significant achievement. This initiative brought together 37 participants, including members and observers from six GCC countries and associate members from countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of South Korea and Egypt. FANR's leadership has been recognised with an extension of its Chair and Secretary roles for another cycle, reinforcing its pivotal role in regional and international collaboration.
FANR's Laboratory Technical Project
FANR's Environmental Laboratory, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council's Radiation Lab, initiated a technical project to develop an analytical method for Sr-89/90 measurement in water and milk samples using liquid scintillation counters. This partnership harmonised methodologies, reduced resource consumption, and enhanced analytical efficiency, marking a milestone in radiological analysis.
In collaboration with Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), FANR's SSDL developed a groundbreaking study to investigate the feasibility of using a panoramic irradiator. This study enabled the uniform irradiation of 55 optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLs), marking a significant advancement in whole-body dosimetry services.
Radiological Environmental Monitoring Report
FANR's commitment to transparency and public safety was demonstrated through the publication of the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Report. In 2024, FANR collected and analysed 195 routine samples across various media, including air, water, soil, and food sources, ensuring comprehensive environmental protection. Additional advancements included the installation of dry/wet samplers for dust and rain collection in partnership with the National Center of Meteorology and achieving 100 per cent acceptance in IAEA ALMERA proficiency tests.
UAE International Commitment
FANR continued to adhere to all international agreements entered into by the UAE including the UAE's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, international conventions, and bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements. In particular, the IAEA drew a 'broader conclusion' for the UAE for the second consecutive year. It is the highest level of assurance provided by the IAEA that the UAE has a peaceful nuclear energy programme and remains in compliance with international conventions. In addition, FANR supported the IAEA safeguards programme by also providing support to certain IAEA member states.
FANR also submitted the UAE Fifth National Report on Compliance with the Obligations of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management for peer review, reaffirming its commitment to international safety standards.
The UAE Joins IAEA's Response and Assistance Network (RANET)
The UAE continued to benefit from the IAEA and to consolidate its position as a member state by contributing to the IAEA's work that aims to strengthen global nuclear and radiation safety as FANR completed the registration of the UAE's capabilities within the IAEA's Response and Assistance Network (RANET). This milestone enhances the UAE's role in global radiation safety and emergency response frameworks, ensuring it can both contribute to and benefit from international expertise during nuclear or radiological emergencies. Additionally, the registered capabilities of entities such as FANR, ENEC Operations, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Al Dhannah Hospital, and Madinat Zayed Hospital strengthens the UAE's position as a key player in international radiation and nuclear safety collaboration.
International Cooperation
FANR's collaboration with international organisations such as the IAEA remained at the forefront of its efforts, showcasing its dedication to fostering a global culture of safety and security. Below are some examples of cooperation with international organisations.
FANR Joined the IAEA Commission on Safety Standards
The IAEA appointed FANR as a member of the Eighth Term of its Commission on Safety Standards (CSS), represented by FANR's Nuclear Safety director. This significant milestone highlights the international community's confidence in the UAE's robust nuclear regulatory framework, positioning the nation as a global role model for countries aspiring to develop nuclear energy programmes. Through its participation in this esteemed commission, FANR is committed to sharing its regulatory expertise and practices, contributing to the enhancement of nuclear safety both nationally and internationally.
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) Bureau
FANR's Director of the Radiation Safety Department was elected as Vice Chair of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) Bureau for the 71st and 72nd sessions. This recognition underscores the UAE's unwavering commitment to protecting the public and the environment from radiation while highlighting the critical importance of international collaboration in radiation protection.
IAEA Regulatory Capacity Building Steering Committee
The IAEA's Steering Committee on Regulatory Capacity Building elected FANR's Director of Education and Training as the Chair of the Committee for the period from 2025 to 2027. The Steering Committee's mandate is to discuss issues, exchange information and advise the IAEA on how best to support the member states' training programmes.
UAE and Canada Launch First White Paper on Conducting Internal Audits for Nuclear Regulators
FANR and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) launched the first white paper of its kind titled 'Auditing Inspection Process – Nuclear Regulator'.. The white paper is groundbreaking and marks a major achievement in the field of internal audits conducted within nuclear regulatory bodies.
FANR and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)
FANR collaborated with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) to host workshops on reviewing and revising ICRP General Recommendations and a training course titled 'Basic Internal Dosimetry'. These platforms facilitated knowledge exchange and contributed to the refinement of global radiation protection standards. FANR's active participation reinforced its position as a leader in nuclear safety and regulatory excellence.
FANR–OECD NEA Cooperation
In 2024, FANR enhanced its collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the OECD through a robust series of initiatives that underscored FANR's dedication to advancing nuclear safety and regulatory frameworks. This partnership also highlighted FANR's proactive approach to promoting gender balance and improving public communication within the nuclear sector.
Cooperation with International Stakeholders
Cooperation with international stakeholders plays a key role in FANR's ability to deliver its mandate to ensure nuclear safety, security and safeguards and the protection of the public, workers and the environment. FANR currently has over 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements with its national and international stakeholders. In 2024, FANR signed eight new MOUs with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA), Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and others, engaging in more than 80 joint initiatives and activities (IONS, TAHYAA, ENRA and the 'Auditing Inspection Process – Nuclear Regulator' white paper.
Strategic Collaboration
FANR further strengthened its collaboration with regulatory bodies in the Republic of Korea, China, Canada and the USA by signing MOUs and long-term action plans of technical information exchange and capacity building.
FANR Emergency Planning and Response
FANR exercises regulatory oversight to prepare and respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies that could arise from regulated activities in the state. FANR also provides technical advice to national and local entities involved in emergency response and implements the international nuclear and radiological emergency framework.
FANR Emergency Operations Centre was fully operational throughout 2024, and FANR Emergency Response Organisation (FERO) arrangements were tested frequently through drills and exercises demonstrating FANR's continued efforts to ensure its readiness to address any nuclear or radiological emergency.
FERO Activation Exercises
In 2024, FERO took part in different national and international exercises and drills including four ENEC Operations ENEC Operations drills and six IAEA Conventions Exercises (ConvEx). In addition, an exercise with the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was conducted as a result of several interactions and planning meetings. The continual implementation of lessons learned underscores FANR's commitment to achieving operational excellence in emergency preparedness.
Radiological Exercise with Ajman Police
FANR, in cooperation with Ajman Police, conducted an exercise to simulate a virtual accident with more than 35 participants from more than 15 different entities. The purpose was to test the response to a traffic collision in the Emirate of Ajman that involved a vehicle transporting radioactive material. The exercise supported the enhancement of security response within the UAE and sought to fulfil FANR's obligation to the Convention on Physical Protection for Nuclear Material (CPPNM).
UAE's Sustainable Approach for Medical Education and Training
As part of its proactive approach to support medical response training for radiological and nuclear emergencies, FANR continued its progress towards defining the UAE's sustainable approach for medical education and training in relation to the medical response to nuclear and radiological emergencies. Complementing the proposal prepared for entities within the medical sector, FANR prepared an action plan that defined deliverables, the lead entities, and a timeline considering the key actions under three different phases to perform a gap analysis, develop interim capabilities, and develop UAE training capabilities as needed. The plan was shared with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), other relevant authorities, and reference hospitals for further implementation.
The National Programme for Qualifying Responders (TAHYAA)
The TAHYAA project aims to enhance the UAE's emergency response capabilities by qualifying 3000 responders to handle nuclear and radiological incidents. By standardising training and equipping individuals with essential skills, the programme strengthens the national emergency preparedness framework. This initiative reflects FANR's commitment to building a resilient and efficient response system that aligns with global best practices.
Research and Development
FANR continued to conduct and support Research and Development (R&D) studies relevant to FANR's scope of work, as well as to initiate and coordinate safety-related R&D work with other authorities.
In 2024, FANR's 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, in collaboration with national and international partners.
As of 2024, FANR was engaged in 15 research collaboration agreements with countries such as the USA, France, Norway and Belgium.
ATLAS-3 Project
In 2024, FANR contributed to the completion of OECD-NEA ATLAS Phase 3, simulating over six experimental scenarios using a thermal-hydraulics computer code (RELAP5). Additionally, FANR published approximately four scientific papers in 2024, sharing its expertise internationally on the APR1400 design features.
Halden Reactor Project
FANR remained an active member of the Halden Reactor Project in 2024 with a view to advancing capacity-building initiatives in human and organisational factors, as well as in fuel and materials research. FANR staff attended Halden Programme Group meetings such as the NEA Halden Human Technology Organisation (HTO) project, which aimed to improve knowledge and understanding of how HTO aspects should be considered, and integrated into, reactor design and nuclear facility operation and regulation.
MORAD Project
The Numerical Modelling of Radionuclides Dispersion (MORAD) research programme aimed to enhance the UAE's capabilities to simulate radionuclide dispersion in marine, atmospheric and continental environments, taking regional and local features into account. The MORAD Project, which is led by FANR staff who worked with Khalifa University and the French Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), was designed to enhance the UAE's capabilities in modelling the dispersion of radionuclides in the environment emanating from the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. This project was crucial for advancing radiation safety and environmental protection in the region.
Research and Development in Radiological Protection
The national Radiation Protection Committee, chaired by FANR, released a white paper titled 'Research and Development in Radiological Protection in the UAE', the objective of which was to identify key challenges and opportunities to strengthen the UAE's developments in R&D in Radiation Protection. This covers several sectors including medical applications in diagnostics and therapy, academic research on radiation effects on humans and biota, radiobiology, emergency preparedness and response, protection of the environment and sustainability, education and training, ethics and social sciences, etc.
Strategic Planning and Performance Monitoring
UAE's Government Programmes
FANR supported the UAE's government programmes and initiatives by endorsing and effectively implementing key standards and manuals such as Strategic Planning, Zero Government Bureaucracy, Services 2.0 Enhancements. This demonstrated FANR's effective contribution towards achieving the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
FANR's best practices in national and international venues resulted in receiving 13 recognitions in 2024. In addition, FANR was shortlisted for the Mohamed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award as one of the top five leading entities in the UAE.
National Cooperation
In 2024, FANR maintained its national engagement programme through cooperation and coordination with its stakeholders. Below are some examples of cooperation with national entities.
Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
FANR supported the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) in developing and enhancing the FAWRI portal to facilitate the UAE's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List by improving its functionality and compliance measures.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
As part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative, FANR cooperated with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Police, which increased customer satisfaction achieving a 94 per cent satisfaction rate on the customer pulse survey, positioning FANR among the top three federal authorities.
FANR Public Trust
Public trust and confidence in FANR's ability to ensure public safety continues to be strong, with public trust confidence reaching 86 per cent in 2024. This was achieved due to the continuous engagement efforts through public and stakeholder outreach programmes and media engagement, for example. In addition, FANR continued to ensure that transparency, which is one of FANR's core values, is achieved by consulting FANR's stakeholders and the public on FANR regulations and regulatory guides during external review.
FANR continued to evaluate the stakeholders' awareness, perception and satisfaction and gather feedback on FANR nuclear regulatory activities. In particular, FANR organised its annual licensees' workshop, for medical licensees and for non-medical licensees, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the participation of over 250 licensees from the industrial sector. The 2024 workshop focused on informing the licensees about FANR's regulatory updates, particularly FANR Regulation on Technical Services Related to Radiation Safety (FANR-REG-30), as well as its training and qualification providers, and the Report to Protect (R2P) system.
Innovation Management
FANR demonstrated its leadership in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operations and drive innovation
- FANR appointed Chief Officer who is working on developing AI Strategy to use AI to support the regulatory mandate of FANR.:
- AI-Driven Initiatives: Launched the 'AI Hour', a biweekly workshop fostering hands-on learning and practical AI applications for employees.
- AI Engagements: Actively participated in the UAE AI Camp and contributed to various regional and international AI forums, showcasing FANR's role in promoting the adoption of AI within the regulatory framework.
Human Resources Management
Driving Excellence in Human Resources (HR) Policies and Employee's Well-being
FANR's HR initiatives in 2024 resulted in groundbreaking advancements in employee engagement, well-being, and productivity, reflected through recognition and awards and strategic HR enhancements. FANR received the Employee Happiness Award 2024 for the Best Flexible Working Program and the GCC GOV HR Award 2024 for the Best Employee Benefits and Wellbeing Strategy. FANR Implemented innovative policies such as the smart working policy, the conflict of interest policy, and unemployment insurance scheme, thus fostering a supportive and adaptive workplace.
Advancing Diversity, Inclusion and Emiratisation
FANR delivered impactful programmes to improve gender balance at all levels, promote tolerance initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion, and launched a youth programme to empower and engage future generations in activities that prepare them for careers in the nuclear industry. Additionally, FANR achieved 77 per cent Emiratisation, demonstrating a commitment to national talent development. Furthermore, FANR presented three white papers and two posters and delivered the UAE's statement at the IAEA's International Conference on Nuclear Knowledge Management and Human Resources Development, , solidifying its role as a global leader.
FANR Future Readiness
FANR continues to prepare for the future by focusing on nuclear safety, radiation safety, nuclear security and safeguards. The authority will continue to focus on research and development, capacity building, and the implementation of advanced technologies in the nuclear sector, as well as strengthen engagement with stakeholders and enhance cooperation with its national and international stakeholders.
FANR's Growth Project
In 2024, FANR completed the 'FANR Growth' project. The scope of this project included a comprehensive assessment of FANR's existing regulatory infrastructure and resources, focusing on their ability to support the review and assessment process and the construction efforts required to accommodate future growth. This evaluation is crucial for ensuring that FANR is well-positioned to effectively manage the expanding demands of the nuclear power sector in the UAE.
FANR Outlook
FANR plays an important role in regulating the nuclear and radiation sector in the UAE and is contributing to the 2050 UAE Energy Strategy, where nuclear energy is a key component of the energy mix. FANR will continue its oversight of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and other regulated facilities to ensure the protection of the public, workers and the environment. FANR will continue to monitor the evolution and development of nuclear technologies such as advanced nuclear reactors and small modular reactors.