Dubai: The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) held a public forum in Dubai to reassure residents about safety measures employed in the UAE’s peaceful nuclear power programme and in the use of radioactive materials in the country.

Dozens attended the latest of a series of forums at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dubai on Sunday.

The forum aimed to demonstrate FANR’s transparent communication with the public and raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of the authority.

“In carrying out its responsibilities, FANR sets public communication as a priority and constantly strives to keep its communication channels open,” FANR’s Director General, Dr William Travers, said.

FANR team members that represent different departments such as Radiation Safety, Nuclear Safety and Education and Training hosted the forum and invited the public to raise inquires and ask questions about the regulation, safety, and licensing of nuclear activities in the UAE.

Speakers at the forum also highlighted that the demand for power in the UAE will exceed to 40,000 megawatts by 2020 at an annual growth rate of 9 per cent since 2007.

This calls for additional sources of energy, and the safety usage of nuclear power. The FANR programme has already issued over 660 licences to different companies, who will abide by the rules and regulations of the secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy and facilities in line with international standards.

 

Opportunities for students

With aims to develop the nuclear energy sector, Sultan Al Dhaheri, HR Manager at the Federal Authority, said there are several scholarships, training and employment opportunities for fresh graduates at the FANR programme.

“We do have a focus on engineers but there are other vacancies in administration and a training process for students to acquire the knowledge needed.”

The training initiative also includes programmes dedicated to under graduates, in co-operation with Khalifa University. They include a two-year master’s programme in Korea and training sessions at the authority.