UAE has declared February 16 as the Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers

The UAE has declared February 16 as the Professional Day of the Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers. The announcement was made at a media briefing in Abu Dhabi on Thursday following the approval by the UAE Cabinet to observe the day annually to recognise the efforts, sacrifices and duties of people working in the nuclear and radiation sector.

The proposal had been put forward 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, according to authorities. It also seeks to celebrate the work and efforts of the professionals who helped the UAE nuclear energy programme grow at a commendable rate, making the country a role model for other countries looking to adopt nuclear energy programmes.

More than 3,000 employees are working at the UAE Barakah Nuclear Power Plant while FANR employs more than 250 workers. Other professionals working in the nuclear and radiation sector include police officers, health workers and others.

Barakah Unit 1 licence

The Professional Day will be celebrated on the February 16 every year to mark the day on which FANR issued the licence to operate unit 1 of the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in 2020, 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.

According to the Cabinet resolution, FANR will lead the organisational 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.

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”.