Abu Dhabi–Forum of Horn Vision"HAPC"

Date:May21,2026

The Barakah Peaceful Nuclear Energy Plant represents one of the most prominent strategic projects adopted by United Arab Emirates in its ambitious journey to diversify energy sources, secure electricity supplies, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Nuclear energy is exceptional importance due to its high capacity to generate electricity in a stable and continuous manner aroundtheclock, without being affected by the climatic fluctuations that some other renewable energy sources face.

Attack by Drones and Strict Security Measures:

 In a recent security development, on May 17 , 2026 , the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that it had intercepted three drones that had breached national airspace across the western border .

The ministry explained that the air defenses successfully intercepted two aircraft, while the third resulted in damage to an electrical generator located outside the station’s inner perimeter.

For its part, the Abu Dhabi Media Office reassured the public, confirming that the fire caused by the attack was under control without any human casualties or impact on radiation safety levels.

In the same context, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the facility or its basic systems, stressing that all units continued to operate as usual and normally.

This attack was met with widespread condemnation at both the Gulf and Arab levels, with warnings about its repercussions on the stability and security of the region.

Location and Production Capacity of the Station:

 The station is located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, specifically on the Arabian Gulf coast, about 53 kilometers southwest of the city of Ruwais.

The giant facility includes 4 operational units based on advanced APR 1400 power reactors ; with the completion of the operation of the four reactors, the station’s production capacity reached 5600 megawatts, making it the largest single source of electricity in United Arab Emirates .

Economic Return and Environmental Impact of the Project:

Brakah plant plays a pivotal role in shaping the environmental and economic landscape of the UAE through:

Securing energy needs: The station covers approximately 25% of the UAE’s total electricity needs, and provides 85% of the clean, emission-free energy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Annual output: The four units together produce approximately 40 terawatt – hours of electricity annually.

Reducing emissions: The station plays a prominent role in reducing the carbon footprint by preventing the emission of approximately 22.4 million tons of carbon gases annually, which is equivalent to removing 4.8 million vehicles from the roads.

Economic sustainability: The project contributes to reducing dependence on natural gas and fossil fuels, thereby reducing expenses and giving the state greater flexibility in facing the fluctuations of global oil and gas markets.

Key Milestones in the Establishment and Operation Process:

 Within 2008: The ” National Policy for Peaceful Nuclear Energy ” was launched as the first step of the program.

By 2009, United Arab Emirates had selected the Korean Electric Power Corporation ( KEPCO ) – ranked globally for its efficiency in safety fields – to undertake the design, construction and operation tasks.

In August 2020: The first reactor was launched into operation, ushering the Arab region into era of peaceful nuclear energy.

In November 2023, the operating license for Unit 4 was issued by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, thus completing the operational system for the project.

During September 2024: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation announced the commercial operation of the fourth reactor, making the Brakah plant the first fully integrated peaceful nuclear facility in the Arab world operating at full production capacity.