UAE Tests Emergency Readiness at Barakah Nuclear Plant Exercise

The Emergency, Crises, and Disaster Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) successfully conducted a large-scale field exercise at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The exercise, carried out in collaboration with strategic partners and local and federal entities, forms part of the 2025 Annual Joint Exercise Plan for Nuclear Incident Risks. It demonstrates the UAE’s ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and energy security.

The initiative emphasizes the strategic importance of the Barakah Plant, a key contributor to energy diversification, carbon footprint reduction, and electricity production in the UAE. The exercise ensures that emergency readiness standards remain at the highest level, protecting both employees and the public in the event of a nuclear or radiological incident.

Focus on Crisis Management and Coordination

The exercise assessed crisis management capabilities according to the external emergency plan for radiological and nuclear incidents. It also aimed to improve coordination among all participating entities, strengthen joint operations, and enhance interoperability. These measures ensure effective control, command, and decision-making in complex emergency scenarios.

In total, 22 local and federal entities participated, supported by 7 field teams and 20 operational centres. A realistic and complex scenario was simulated to test responses both inside and outside the plant, providing valuable insights into operational readiness.

Leadership Highlights National Commitment

Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Exercise Commander, noted that the exercise reflects the UAE’s commitment to advanced crisis response systems. He stated that the drill demonstrates the nation’s ability to manage major risks while ensuring business continuity and public safety.

Al Muhairi emphasized that protecting life and property remains a top priority and that the success of such exercises reflects the UAE leadership’s vision for a cohesive, resilient system capable of addressing diverse challenges.

ADCMC Director General Comments

Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of ADCMC, highlighted that the exercise provides a practical opportunity to evaluate coordination, human resources readiness, and the use of advanced technologies in crisis management. He said that such drills enhance operational efficiency and ensure excellence in handling critical facilities.

Al Nuaimi stressed that integrated efforts across sectors are essential for strengthening public confidence and protecting both lives and developmental achievements.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant plays a vital role in advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals by providing safe, clean energy. Adhering to the highest safety standards, the plant reinforces the nation’s leadership in climate neutrality and sustainable development.

The strategic exercise demonstrates ADCMC’s dedication to improving crisis preparedness, highlighting the UAE’s capabilities in emergency response and business continuity management. Seamless coordination between federal and local authorities ensures readiness for any scenario, supporting the UAE’s position as a global hub for sustainable energy investment.