UAE Starts Operation of Arab World’s First Nuclear Power Reactor
- Federation joins 30 countries with nuclear power capacity
- Barakah first of four reactors designated for desert coast
The Barakah nuclear plant.
Photographer: Arun Girija/Emirates News AgencyThis article is for subscribers only.
The United Arab Emirates switched on the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power plant after loading fuel and conducting comprehensive tests, the prime minister said.
With the start-up of the Barakah reactor, the UAE -- a seven-member federation that includes commercial hub Dubai and oil-rich Abu Dhabi, where the reactor is located -- joins a club of 30 countries that can generate nuclear energy. The country’s watchdog had given the go-ahead to run the plant in February.