UAE Releases 2025 Annual Nuclear Regulatory Report, Highlighting Nuclear Safety and Peaceful Use Achievements

The UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has released its "2025 Annual Report," showcasing regulatory progress over the past year in nuclear safety, radiation protection, and nuclear non-proliferation. The report indicates that the UAE continues to advance its nuclear governance framework in line with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, enhancing regulatory efficiency while emphasizing that nuclear technology and nuclear materials must serve peaceful purposes.

The report specifically highlights FANR's launch of a unified import and export system. This digital platform is designed to streamline the regulatory processes for the import and export of nuclear and radioactive materials, while strengthening regulatory transparency and traceability. The development of this system demonstrates that the UAE is focused not only on the safe operation of nuclear facilities, but also on strengthening institutionalized management in areas such as material circulation, end-use verification, and cross-border oversight.

In the area of nuclear power regulation, the regulatory authority conducted 36 inspections at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to confirm that its operations comply with international safety and security standards. Meanwhile, the UAE also carried out more than 800 inspections of medical and industrial facilities authorized to use radioactive materials, with a focus on verifying that such materials are handled safely and ensuring that their use remains confined to legitimate and peaceful purposes.

Beyond routine inspections, the UAE has also enhanced its nuclear and radiation safety capabilities through international conferences and scientific cooperation. FANR hosted the Eighth International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection, attracting more than 600 experts to discuss new developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, medical applications, and environmental protection. The Authority also advanced ten domestic and international research projects and maintained cooperation with organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).

In the area of emergency preparedness, FANR participated in 15 joint exercises to strengthen the UAE's response capabilities for nuclear and radiation emergencies, while promoting the development of coordination mechanisms at both the national and international levels. The report reflects that the UAE is seeking to consolidate its nuclear safety governance framework through multiple pathways, including regulatory digitalization, intensive inspections, scientific cooperation, and emergency drills.