The UAE will test its ability to respond to a nuclear emergency later this year.
More than 170 countries have been invited to participate in the large-scale simulation at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on an unannounced date in the final three months of the year, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced.
The exercise, called Barakah UAE, is one of the world’s most complex to conduct and is being held in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
It is carried out every three to five years and aims to test the plant’s response capabilities and early notification system in the event of an emergency.
Scenarios will involve plans to protect the public and environment.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority will supervise the exercise, which will also involve the participation of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the Ministry of Interior, plus the Ministry of Health and Prevention, among other authorities.
Commercial power generation began at the plant in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region in April, making the UAE the first Arab country to operate a nuclear energy plant.
When Barakah's four reactors are operational the plant will supply 25 per cent of the UAE's electricity.
UAE buildings light up in celebration of commercial start of Barakah – in pictures
