The UAE president's diplomatic adviser, Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, welcomed an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant's response after a drone attack cut outside power to Unit 3.
Gulf News reported that Gargash wrote Wednesday on X that the IAEA's findings reflected positively on the UAE's safety and emergency planning. He described the country's civilian nuclear program as supporting regional security and prosperity.
The May 17, 2026, strike set a generator ablaze beyond the plant's inner boundary. UAE officials said no one was injured and no radioactive material escaped; the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the plant's safety systems continued to function.
The IAEA review of the Barakah response ran Oct. 12-20 at the UAE government's request and concluded that the plant operator and national authorities managed the Unit 3 power interruption appropriately. The mission advised the UAE to improve emergency readiness, reinforce essential infrastructure and improve coordination among agencies responsible for nuclear safety and security.
