The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi had its first unit plugged into the national power grid on August 19, 2020.
Five years on, the plant, which is located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, now produces 40 terawatt hours annually – the equivalent of around 25 per cent of the UAE's electricity needs.
That would power 574,000 households or meet the entire annual electricity needs of a country such as New Zealand, according to Peter Bryant, professor of Radiation Protection Sciences and Nuclear Energy Policy at the University of Liverpool.
“As the first nuclear station in the Arab world, it has established itself as one of the most advanced and reliable nuclear facilities globally,” he told The National.
'A rare global success story'
In December 2009, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation awarded a $20 billion contract to Korea Electric Power Corporation to construct the plant, which features four units, each powered by the state of the art APR-1400 reactor, designed to operate for 60 years.
“The design was conservative and the government didn’t dither,” said Professor Wade Allison, emeritus physicist at the University of Oxford. “It shows what’s possible with the right leadership and planning.”
Nuclear power, he argues, remains the only scalable, low-carbon solution capable of supporting a modern economy. “Nuclear is a million times more energy-dense than fossil fuels,” said Prof Allison. “[Nuclear] is the most environmentally friendly of all.”
Global nuclear energy experts say as the plant was built on time and within target, it stands as a model of nuclear efficiency in a world still grappling with energy insecurity and rising emissions. “What matters is energy resilience,” Dr Simon Bennett of The University of Leicester told The National.
A climate work horse delivering results
More critically, the plant has helped the UAE cut its annual carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes, the equivalent of taking nearly five million petrol cars off the road.
“Globally, Barakah has shown that an emerging economy can safely and successfully adopt nuclear energy to deliver clean, reliable power,” said Prof Bryant. “It has become a model for how nuclear can contribute to both climate action and socio-economic progress.”
The UAE’s nuclear success has recently made headlines beyond the energy world. In August 2025, aluminium smelted using Barakah’s clean electricity was exported for the first time, setting a new low-carbon benchmark for a traditionally carbon-heavy industry.
Economic dividends and Stem pipeline
Barakah’s impact hasn’t stopped at emissions. The plant has created skilled jobs, built a new domestic nuclear supply chain, and spurred on a new generation of Emirati scientists, engineers, and technicians.
“It’s not just lighting homes,” said Prof Bryant. “It’s building human capital and driving economic diversification – a pillar of the UAE’s broader Vision 2030 strategy.”
Education and trust remain critical
For nuclear to reach its potential, experts say public education must catch up with the science. “Society developed a nuclear phobia over the past 70 years,” said Prof Allison. “But we trust nuclear in hospitals, why not in the environment?”
He believes nuclear literacy should start in schools. “From the age of 12, children should learn the basics alongside their parents. Investment follows confidence, and confidence requires knowledge.”
Dr Adam Fenech, Provost, Canadian University Dubai, agreed and said nuclear energy has long carried a “bad rap” due to historic accidents and concerns about waste management.
“These perceptions, however, often overshadow its significant contributions and evolving role in today’s energy landscape,” he said. “Modern nuclear technology is far safer, more efficient, and better regulated than in past decades, with robust safety protocols and international oversight mechanisms that have dramatically reduced risks.”
A foundation for the future
Earlier this year, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Amna Al Shamsi, commented that the country recognises the “transition to clean energy requires global collaboration.”
“The UAE is actively engaged in international partnerships to share knowledge, promote innovation, and support developing nations in their pursuit of sustainable energy solutions,” she said.
Barakah now plays a central role in helping the UAE meet multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable energy, climate action, and innovation and infrastructure. It has also enhanced international co-operation: in 2025, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signed a global expansion deal with Hyundai E&C of South Korea, exporting its expertise to other countries looking to follow suit.
“This plant has built more than electricity,” said Prof Bryant. “It’s built a community of knowledge and global credibility. And it’s proving that nuclear, when done right, can be one of the cleanest, safest and smartest energy choices we have.”
The years Ramadan fell in May
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ASSASSIN'S%20CREED%20MIRAGE
%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Read more about the coronavirus
More on animal trafficking
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The years Ramadan fell in May
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The years Ramadan fell in May
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)
Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City
Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)
Porsche Taycan Turbo specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 1050Nm
Range: 450km
Price: Dh601,800
On sale: now
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
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