UAE appoints Hamed Al Kaabi as nuclear regulator chief
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President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has appointed Hamed Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi as Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
The appointment was made through a federal decree issued on Sunday, June 7.
Al Kaabi succeeds Christer Viktorsson, a nuclear physicist who had led the authority since 2015 and has more than 35 years of experience in nuclear regulation and safety.
Before taking up the role, Al Kaabi served as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of FANR and represented the UAE on matters related to nuclear energy, nuclear safety and non-proliferation with international organisations and governments, including the International Atomic Energy Agency.
He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in nuclear engineering from Purdue University.
Al Kaabi was awarded the Order of Zayed II Class in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the UAE’s international relations and supporting the country’s peaceful nuclear energy program.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation is the UAE’s independent regulator responsible for nuclear safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards, as well as overseeing compliance with international agreements.
Established under Federal Law by Decree No. 6 of 2009 concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy, FANR regulates the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants in the UAE.
The authority also oversees radioactive materials and radiation sources used in sectors including healthcare, research and industry.