The UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has participated in the International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems, hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
Led by FANR Director-General Christer Viktorsson, the UAE delegation joins the global regulators and subject-matter experts to advance regulatory practices and strengthen international cooperation in nuclear and radiation safety.
The conference serves as a key forum for member states to address evolving challenges in the sector, with discussions centered on enhancing regulatory competence, improving institutional agility, and deepening cross-border collaboration.
During the sessions, FANR outlined the UAE’s progress in building a resilient and forward-looking regulatory framework aligned with international best practices.
Central to this approach is the development of national expertise through structured workforce programs and strategic global engagement.
A key initiative supporting this effort is the Emirates Nuclear and Radiation Academy (ENRA), which plays a pivotal role in cultivating specialized talent and ensuring long-term sustainability of regulatory capabilities.
FANR emphasized that investing in human capital remains critical to maintaining high standards of nuclear safety and oversight.
The authority also showcased its adaptive regulatory model, designed to respond effectively to emerging technologies and evolving nuclear security risks.
By adopting risk-informed and flexible regulatory approaches, FANR aims to ensure continued robustness while accommodating innovation within the sector.
Digital innovation driving regulatory efficiency
FANR further highlighted its efforts to enhance regulatory effectiveness through digital transformation and innovation.
The deployment of advanced tools and systems has strengthened oversight mechanisms and improved data-driven decision-making processes.
Among these initiatives is the Intelligent Operational Nuclear Safety System (IONS), which enhances operational resilience and supports proactive risk management.
These technological advancements are complemented by FANR’s expanding role in international regulatory dialogue, reinforcing its position as a contributor to global policy development.
From dialogue to action: UAE-led global initiative
A major highlight of FANR’s participation is its emphasis on the UAE’s leadership in launching a global ‘Call for Action’ following the 2023 conference held in Abu Dhabi.
This initiative marked a strategic shift from discussion to implementation, encouraging Member States to translate recommendations into measurable outcomes.
The framework introduced under this initiative includes dedicated working groups, structured action plans, and practical implementation tools. Since its inception, it has driven tangible progress across critical areas such as regulatory leadership, agility, trust-building, and international collaboration, with increasing engagement from countries worldwide.
Christer Viktorsson stated that, “FANR’s participation reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiation regulatory systems through innovation, collaboration, and sustained capacity building. The progress achieved since the previous conference demonstrates the importance of translating dialogue into real actions that enhance regulatory effectiveness globally.”
