UAE trains nuclear regulators

A group of nine engineering graduates from Emirati universities has joined the United Arab Emirates' Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) under the regulator's scheme to develop the country's base of nuclear experts.

A group of nine engineering graduates from Emirati universities has joined the United Arab Emirates' Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) under the regulator's scheme to develop the country's base of nuclear experts.

Class of 2016: FANR's latest intake of engineering graduates (Image: FANR)

The group will undertake a year-long regulatory development program to provide them with the fundamental knowledge they need in order to understand the technical concepts applicable to nuclear engineering and regulation.

"We're proud to bring on board such a promising generation of young Emiratis who will contribute substantively to the UAE’s energy future," said FANR Director General Christer Viktorsson.

The new engineers will follow a modular program to develop both technical and "soft" skills, starting with an FANR orientation program and an introductory course in nuclear engineering. They will then undertake an intensive 13-week nuclear fundamentals course at Khalifa University, followed by four eight-week job rotation modules, and an overseas study tour where they will visit an operating plant, complete basic control room simulator orientation and experience a waste storage site. The program will also include participation in a nuclear management course provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The UAE's first nuclear power plant is under construction at Barakah, with the first unit due to start up in 2017.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News