An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission has concluded that UAE authorities and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant responded appropriately to the loss of off-site power at Unit 3 caused by a drone strike on May 17, 2026, the agency said on Tuesday.
The mission found that effective action was taken to maintain safety during the event, including prompt national and international notification, use of established emergency procedures, and public communication.
The six-member team worked in the UAE from October 12 to 20 at the request of the UAE government. The review followed an agreement between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the UAE government during his visit to the plant in June.
The drone struck an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) said.
Barakah, in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, has four APR1400 reactors that produce 40 terawatt hours of electricity a year, equivalent to around 25% of the UAE’s needs, according to the IAEA. The plant is run by ENEC Operations, a joint venture of Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
The team visited the affected areas of the plant and its emergency response facilities, reviewed operating and emergency procedures, and met plant management and FANR officials.
It cited the quick restoration of off-site power, regulatory oversight of the event and the strengthening of safety procedures and staff training as good practices.
The team also recommended further steps to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, improve the reliability and resilience of critical infrastructure, and reinforce coordination among the bodies responsible for nuclear safety and security.
“FANR and ENEC are encouraged to continue implementing the organizational and technical measures identified through the assessment of lessons learned from the event,” said Amgad Shokr, director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, who led the mission.
