Abu Dhabi, June 8. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has appointed nuclear engineer and veteran diplomat Hamed Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi as the new Director General of the country’s nuclear watchdog, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
The appointment was made through a federal decree issued by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on June 7, according to an official announcement.
Al Kaabi succeeds Christer Viktorsson, a nuclear physicist with more than three decades of experience in nuclear regulation and safety, who had led the authority since 2015.
Prior to taking charge of FANR, Al Kaabi served as Deputy Chairman of the authority’s Board of Management and played a key role in representing the UAE on issues related to nuclear energy, nuclear safety and non-proliferation. He has been a principal interlocutor between the UAE and international organisations and governments, including the International Atomic Energy Agency.
A graduate of Purdue University, Al Kaabi holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nuclear engineering. He was awarded the Order of Zayed II Class in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the UAE’s international partnerships and advancing the country’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.
Throughout his career, Al Kaabi has been closely involved in efforts to bolster the UAE’s global standing in the fields of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.
The FANR is the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator responsible for overseeing nuclear safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards, as well as ensuring compliance with international agreements related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Established under Federal Law by Decree No. 6 of 2009 on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, FANR regulates the design, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of nuclear power facilities in the UAE.
The authority also oversees the use of radioactive materials and radiation sources across sectors such as healthcare, research and industry, while promoting high standards of safety, transparency, independence and professional competence.
