The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) hosted a special session for alumni of the UAE Government Leadership Program (UAEGLP) entitled “Pioneering Nuclear Energy: Emirati Leadership.” The session was held as a part of the Government Leadership Talks series, part of the UAEGLP, and organized by the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Future.

The session was held at ENEC’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi and led by H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, who briefed attendees on the latest developments of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, its contribution to the future growth and prosperity of the UAE, and his personal experience of leading ENEC through the development of the program.

The centerpiece of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, currently under construction in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. The plant consists of four identical APR1400 reactors housed in four separate units, with a total generating capacity of up to 5,600MW.

During the session, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi provided an update on the progress of the plant, which is the first nuclear energy plant under construction in the Arab World. The overall construction completion of the four Units of the Barakah plant is 91 percent , highlighting the significant progress made to date.

H.E. Eng. Al Hammadi highlighted the key role played by ENEC and the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program in supporting the objectives of Abu Dhabi Plan and UAE Centennial 2071, which seek to diversify the nation’s energy sources, build a knowledge-based economy, and sustain social and economic growth through the provision of high-value jobs for UAE Nationals, as well as developing a new generation of qualified Emiratis to lead the peaceful nuclear sector.

In order to build this nuclear expertise, ENEC launched the Energy Pioneers Program in 2009 to develop a pipeline of UAE National nuclear professionals to work in the local nuclear energy sector. Under the Program, students receive training at institutions in the UAE and internationally. To date, more than 500 UAE Nationals have benefitted from the program, and now hold key positions across ENEC and its subsidiaries.

“The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is already playing a key role in supporting the growth and diversification of the UAE’s economy through the provision of high-value jobs and the development of a local nuclear energy industry,” said H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi. “In addition, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will supply up to 25% of the UAE’s energy needs without producing carbon emissions, further contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the nation.”

H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi stated: “At ENEC our mission and vision are guided by our commitment to six corporate values including accountability, teamwork, safety, integrity, trust and excellence. These values are embedded across all levels of our corporation, and we continuously strive to meet and exceed the highest international standards of quality, safety and security. Our adherence to these standards has enabled us to not only meet our strategic objectives, but has also established the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program as a role model for the development of nuclear energy projects worldwide, having set a new standard for nuclear energy plant construction.”

Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi, Assistant Director General for Leadership and Government Capabilities in the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, who attended the session, said: “The Government Leadership Talks is one of the basic mechanisms of the UAE Government Leadership Program for enhancing the continuous learning process for the alumni and members of the Program. The Government Leadership Talks seek to familiarize the alumni and members with the most important developments in various fields of work, and enable them to communicate effectively and directly with leaders within the country and global governments.”

Dr Al-Naqbi praised the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, saying that it represents a significant example of the pivotal role of talented Emiratis during the development of vital sectors. Dr Alnaqbi noted that 120 UAE engineers worked directly on the construction completion of the first unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

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