The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focusing on becoming a player in the global nuclear energy sector. According to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), “the UAE has invested heavily in nuclear energy over the years, making it one of the top producers of nuclear power.”
The UAE’s nuclear energy program includes the Barakah plants in Abu Dhabi’s Western region, which consist of four nuclear reactors. The completion of all four reactors is an achievement of its own for the country. These reactors now provide nearly 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. This makes the UAE one of the countries with the highest levels of clean energy production per capita in the world.
The Barakah plants are the first commercial nuclear facilities in the Arab world and the Gulf region. The first reactor was commissioned in 2020, and the fourth reactor was commissioned in September 2024, marking a point in the development of the UAE’s nuclear energy sector.
ENEC has worked with local financial institutions, such as the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank, to secure green financing for the Barakah plants. This financing model is the first of its kind in the Middle East and Asia, helping to open up new possibilities for funding nuclear energy projects.
The global interest in nuclear energy is growing, and the UAE’s Barakah plants are now seen as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. The success of the Barakah plants could lead to increased cooperation with other nations and the development of more advanced nuclear technologies. ENEC foresees to continue expanding its role in the global nuclear energy market, positioning itself as an investor and developer of nuclear technologies.
