Drone Strike Causes Fire at UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, No Radiation Leak Reported

ABU DHABI - A drone strike caused a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region on Sunday, according to UAE authorities, marking the first drone-related incident in the region to occur in proximity to a nuclear facility .

The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the blaze, which broke out in a generator outside the plant's inner perimeter, resulted in no injuries and had no impact on radiological safety levels at the facility . All precautionary measures have been implemented by emergency teams, with further updates to follow .

No Impact on Nuclear Safety

The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the nuclear power plant or the operational readiness of its essential systems, and that all four APR-1400 reactor units are continuing to operate normally .

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah plant remain normal and no injuries were reported .

"The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed," the nuclear watchdog added .

The plant, located approximately 53 kilometers west-southwest of Al Dhannah City, generates 25% of the UAE's electricity needs and is the Arab world's first and only operational nuclear power plant .

Regional Context

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities did not provide information about the source of the drone strike .

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, which triggered Iranian retaliation, including attacks on US allies in the Gulf. A ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan on April 8, with talks continuing to secure a lasting peace agreement .

During the ongoing regional conflict, Iranian strikes have previously impacted energy-related facilities and infrastructure across the UAE .

The authorities urged the public to obtain information from official sources only and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information .