The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has praised the United Arab Emirates’ peaceful nuclear energy programme, describing it as a model built on the highest standards of safety, security, transparency and international cooperation.
Grossi made the remarks during an official visit to the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, where he toured key facilities, including advanced simulator training systems, and met Emirati engineers and specialists working at the site. He was accompanied by Hamad Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
The visit came just weeks after a drone attack targeted electrical infrastructure near the Barakah plant. UAE authorities said three drones were launched toward the facility on May 17, with two intercepted and one striking an external electrical generator outside the plant’s inner security perimeter.
Officials confirmed there was no release of radioactive material and that reactor safety systems functioned as designed. The International Atomic Energy Agency later said the incident highlighted the importance of protecting nuclear facilities from military attacks. Speaking during his visit, Grossi said nuclear facilities are a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems and warned that any attack on such installations poses serious risks to regional and international security.
He described the attack on infrastructure supporting the Barakah plant as a grave concern and stressed that nuclear facilities must remain protected from conflict under international law. He also noted that growing electricity demand from industry, data centres and artificial intelligence applications is increasing the importance of reliable nuclear power generation.
Hamad Al Kaabi said Grossi’s visit reflected the strength of the UAE’s long-standing partnership with the IAEA and their shared commitment to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. The UAE also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the IAEA’s “Seven Indispensable Pillars” for nuclear safety and security. Barakah, the Arab world’s first operational nuclear power plant, supplies about a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs and remains a key pillar of the country’s clean energy strategy.
