Date commemorates the issuance on 16 February 2020 of the licence to operate Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE

 

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates has approved that the 16th of February will be observed as the Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers. The proposal was brought to the Cabinet by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).  

 

The professional day aims to raise awareness and share knowledge about the UAE’s achievements and major progress in the development of the nuclear and radiation sectors.

 

It also seeks to celebrate the work and efforts of the professionals who made the UAE nuclear energy programme growing at a commendable and unique rate, making the UAE as a role model for nuclear newcomer countries.

 

The Professional Day will be celebrated on the 16th of February every year as it marks 16 February 2020 – the day on which FANR issued the licence to operate unit 1 of the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, making the UAE the first country in the region to build and operate a nuclear reactor.

 

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is now the largest single source of clean electricity in the region with its two commercially operating units.

 

Speaking on the launch of the Professional Day, Ambassador Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of FANR said:

 

“The annual celebration of this Professional Day will shed light on the success stories, the achievements and tireless efforts made by the workers in both the nuclear and radiation sectors in the UAE. In 2008, the UAE introduced its peaceful nuclear programme, which it has been developing over the years. The UAE’s success has been possible thanks to the human capital – the most valuable capital – that has been the cornerstone of this programme. This includes the professionals, workers in the nuclear as well as in the radiation sector, Emiratis and expatriates, working in the public and private sectors, in industry, healthcare, and others.”

 

According to the Cabinet resolution, FANR will lead the organizational matters associated with the professional day and its annual celebration in close coordination with all relevant entities. 

 

It is expected that the day will encourage young people and students to promote their interest in such important sectors.

 

Furthermore, the day will generate more awareness among the community about the efforts and achievements of nuclear and radiation workers, leading towards further scientific advancement and knowledge transfer, which is in line with the UAE Government vision “We the UAE 2031”.