Gargash hails IAEA assessment of UAE nuclear safety after Barakah drone incident
The UAE’s top diplomatic adviser, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, welcomed the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) favourable assessment of the country’s response to a drone attack that cut off external power to Unit 3 at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on May 17, 2026.
In a post on the social media platform X, Gargash noted the agency’s recognition of the UAE’s safety and emergency readiness measures. He described the nation’s peaceful nuclear energy programme as a model that benefits humanity and supports regional security and prosperity.
Gargash quotes IAEA praise
“The International Atomic Energy Agency has praised the UAE’s response to the power outage at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant following a terrorist drone attack on May 17, 2026, and confirmed the effectiveness of its safety and emergency procedures,” Gargash said.
“The UAE’s experience in peaceful nuclear energy embodies its commitment to harnessing nuclear power to serve humanity and represents a model that strengthens the region’s security and prosperity,” he added.
IAEA mission findings
The remarks followed the conclusion of an IAEA expert mission to the UAE, which determined that national authorities and the Barakah plant had responded appropriately to the loss of off-site power at Unit 3 resulting from the drone strike.
The six-member team, which carried out its work from October 12 to 20 at the request of the UAE government, examined emergency procedures, regulatory oversight and lessons learned from the incident. The IAEA stated that the response included prompt notification of national and international authorities, implementation of established emergency protocols and communication with the public.
Attack details and safety systems
The May 17 attack ignited a fire in an electrical generator situated outside the plant’s inner perimeter in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. UAE authorities reported no injuries or any release of radioactive material, and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that the plant’s safety systems remained operational throughout the event.
The IAEA mission also identified areas for further enhancement, recommending stronger emergency preparedness arrangements, greater resilience of critical infrastructure and closer coordination among relevant authorities. Its findings underscored the UAE’s continued cooperation with the international nuclear watchdog and its ongoing efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and security standards.
