The Head of the IAEA receives latest project updates at the UAE’s first Nuclear Power Plant construction site, in the lead up to the operation of its first reactor.
On 20 February, Mr. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) along with Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative, visited the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant site, located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi.
UAE’s operator - the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) - briefed the Director General on the recent major construction milestones achieved at the site.
The Director General congratulated the UAE team for the substantial advancement made since his last visit in 2013.
The visit allowed Mr. Amano to witness first-hand the significant progress being made at Barakah, which is now the world’s leading nuclear energy construction site, with four identical reactors being safely constructed simultaneously.
“The UAE continues to make excellent progress in the development of its nuclear energy programme and we would like to commend the UAE Government, ENEC and FANR for their commitment on safety and to delivering a world-class industry and facility here at Barakah,” said DG Amano.
Ambassador Alkaabi emphasized the strong support the UAE has received from the international nuclear community in regards to its programme, highlighting the role of the IAEA.
“Our nation is dedicated to developing this new industry and sustaining it long into the future as a vital element of the UAE’s low-carbon economy, in full co-operation and with the support of the international community,” Ambassador Alkaabi said.
Director General Yukiya Amano Meets with UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
The IAEA Director General commended the important role that the UAE plays in achieving the Agency's goals, and praised the UAE for its policies and efforts in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. He further noted the UAE’s effective role regionally and internationally in promoting non-proliferation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also praised the Agency's continuous efforts in supporting nuclear energy on a global scale, and highlighted the contribution of nuclear energy toward achieving sustainable development goals.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA, particularly in gaining scientific knowledge and technical expertise from the Agency.
During his official visit, Director General Yukiya Amano met with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
