The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Biennial General Meeting, set to take place for the first time in the region, in Abu Dhabi from September 28–30, 2024. The announcement follows the appointment of His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), as the first Emirati and first Arab WANO President in October 2022.

The UAE has become a benchmark for the delivery of peaceful nuclear energy to the highest standards of safety, security, quality and non-proliferation, offering a model for newcomer nations looking to develop their own civil nuclear energy facilities. ENEC’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is today playing a significant role in rapidly decarbonizing the nation’s energy sector and is a sustainable powerhouse for the country’s economic development, providing energy security and sustainability. The UAE is committed to supporting newcomer nations, in addition to existing members, to enhance operational safety and reliability across the global fleet.

H.E. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC and President of WANO, said, “We are proud that Abu Dhabi will host the upcoming WANO Biennial General Meeting, and as WANO’s President, I look forward to championing our collective mission to drive nuclear excellence in operational safety and reliability.

“At ENEC, we will continue leveraging our experience of working with the global nuclear energy industry to deliver the Barakah Plant, collaborating with key nuclear organizations in the international community to support the development of advanced nuclear technologies,” H.E. Al Hammadi added.

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