Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies

Published date: Oct 20 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies

Issue title: Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies: Volume 1, Issue 1

Pages: 66 - 90

DOI: 10.18502/jewes.v1i1.18842

Ahlam Khamis Alghamari201206005.ak@gmail.comSchool of Sustainability and Green Economy, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai

Mohammad Aljaradin m.aljaradin@hbmsu.ac.aeSchool of Sustainability and Green Economy, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pioneered nuclear energy development in the Arab world through the establishment of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, a strategic project aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. This study adopts a descriptive-analytical case study design, employing mixed-methods to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. It evaluates existing safety protocols, identifies residual risks, and offers actionable recommendations to strengthen nuclear safety governance in the UAE and across the broader MENA region.

We systematically identify and evaluate eight critical risk categories: nuclear waste management, radiation exposure, cooling system failures, natural disaster vulnerability, security threats, operational errors, environmental impact, and emergency preparedness. Each risk is assessed by likelihood and severity, with residual risk levels analyzed post-mitigation. Findings indicate that while inherent nuclear risks exist, Barakah’s robust engineering controls, regulatory oversight by FANR, international cooperation, and defense-in-depth protocols establish a strong safety foundation. The study further evaluates existing safety protocols, identifies residual vulnerabilities, and offers actionable recommendations to enhance nuclear safety governance, not only for Barakah but as a reference model for emerging nuclear programs in arid environments across the MENA region. This research contributes novel insights into nuclear risk management under regional climatic and institutional conditions, supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable, secure, and responsible energy transition.

Keywords: nuclear energy, risk assessment, risk management, Barakah nuclear plant, United Arab Emirates, energy security, nuclear safety, environmental impact

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