UAE says unmanned aircraft was one of three that entered country from ‘western border direction’
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it has been informed by the United Arab Emirates that radiation levels at the Barakah nuclear power station remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike on 17 May caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the inner site perimeter of the facility.
The agency said on social media that emergency diesel generators were providing power to the Unit 3 at the four-unit facility, about 140 km southwest of Dubai on the Persian Gulf.
The IAEA said it is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed.
Agency director-general Rafael Grossi expressed “grave concern” about the incident and said military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.
He reiterated call for maximum military restraint near any NPP to avoid the danger of a nuclear accident.
The UAE’s nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), said it is continuing to closely monitor the incident.
No Impact On Safety, Says Regulator
FANR confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the facility or the readiness of its essential systems.
“FANR are maintaining close coordination with the plant operator and the relevant national authorities to verify all aspects of the incident and to confirm the continued integrity and readiness of plant systems,” a statement said.
“As part of its independent regulatory oversight, FANR is assessing the event in accordance with established national procedures and maintaining continuous monitoring of radiological conditions and plant status.”
The UAE blamed that attack on a drone launched by Iran or one of its proxies in what the UAE called a “dangerous escalation”.
The UAE’s defence ministry said the drone that targeted the Barakah plant was one of three that “entered the country from the western border direction”.
It said the unmanned aircraft had hit “an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafra area”.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the attacks, and updates will be disclosed upon completion of the investigations,” the ministry added.
Anwar Gargash, an Emirati presidential adviser, made clear that he believed Iran or a regional proxy were the perpetrators.
“The terrorist targeting of the Barakah clean nuclear power plant, whether carried out by the principal perpetrator or through one of its agents, represents a dangerous escalation,” Gargash wrote on X.
Gargash called the incident “a dark scene that violates all international laws and norms”, and accused those responsible of having a disregard for civilian lives.
Foreign Minister Condemns ‘Treacherous’ Attack
UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed told Grossi in a telephone call that he strongly condemned the “treacherous” terrorist attack. Bin Zayed said on X that discussions also covered cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA.
The UAE’s office of the foreign minister said bin Zayed discussed by phone with the foreign ministers of the Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain the repercussions of the drone. The ministers “strongly condemned” the attack, “affirming the full and legitimate right of the United Arab Emirates to respond to these attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty and national security, the safety of its lands and citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with international law”.
Barakah has four South Korea-supplied APR1400 plants, the first of which began commercial operation in 2021 and the fourth in 2024.
According to IAEA data, the four units generated a 21.8% share of the UAE’s electricity production in 2024.
The UAE has said it wants to use nuclear power as the main source for generating non-hydrocarbon-based electricity.
Most of the energy produced in the UAE is from natural gas and oil. The country is also a major exporter of oil and gas with natural gas accounting for 63% of total energy supply in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency.
Unconfirmed press reports have said the UAE was planning to launch a tender for the construction of a new nuclear power plant station that would double the number of the Gulf state’s commercial nuclear power reactors.
