SRINAGAR: A drone strike triggered a fire at an external electrical generator near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region on Saturday, though authorities said the incident did not affect nuclear safety or disrupt operations at the facility.
The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP. Emergency diesel generators… pic.twitter.com/km2rg08Gvd
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) May 17, 2026
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the fire broke out outside the plant’s inner security perimeter and was swiftly contained by emergency response teams. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation said the strike had no impact on the plant’s safety systems or operational readiness, adding that all units at the UAE’s first nuclear power station continued to function normally. Radiological safety levels also remained unaffected, officials said.
Media reports said the blaze erupted following a drone attack near the facility, although authorities have not identified those responsible or disclosed the source of the drone strike.
Officials urged residents and social media users to rely only on official information and refrain from circulating rumours or unverified claims online.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf. Tensions have escalated since US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February, followed by retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting Israel and US allies in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.
A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation came into effect on April 8, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to secure a permanent agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, central to the UAE’s clean energy and environmental strategy, began commercial operations in September 2024 after a phased rollout over several years.
