The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) is representing the UAE at the International Atomic Energy Agency's Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems in Vienna this week, spotlighting the country's growing influence in global nuclear governance.
Running from 27 to 30 April 2026, the Vienna conference brings together regulators and experts from around the world to advance nuclear and radiation safety frameworks, with a particular emphasis on competence, agility and international collaboration.
At the event, FANR outlined the UAE's progress in building a future-ready regulatory infrastructure — including structured workforce development through the Emirates Nuclear and Radiation Academy (ENRA) and the deployment of the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety System (IONS), a digital tool designed to strengthen oversight and operational decision-making.
A significant highlight was the UAE's role in launching a global Call for Action following the 2023 IAEA conference in Abu Dhabi — a first-of-its-kind initiative that shifted the focus from discussion to measurable implementation. The framework introduced structured action plans and working groups, drawing concrete submissions from Member States across areas including regulatory agility, leadership and capacity building.
"FANR's participation reflects the UAE's continued commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiation regulatory systems through innovation, collaboration, and sustained capacity building,"
said FANR Director-General Christer Viktorsson. He added that the progress made since the Abu Dhabi conference underscores the value of turning dialogue into real, tangible outcomes.
The Vienna conference serves as a key international platform for aligning regulatory practices and ensuring the safe, secure and sustainable use of nuclear technologies — an agenda the UAE has firmly positioned itself to help shape.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
