FANR: Barakah Nuclear Plant grid connection a 'historic milestone'

11 July 2020

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant’s Unit 1 was connected to the UAE’s grid earlier this week, and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has called the step another ‘historic milestone’ for the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme.

In a statement FANR said: "Since issuing the Operating Licence in February 2020 for Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, FANR has continued its regulatory oversight: starting with fuel loading, testing, including the first criticality phase until connecting the unit to the UAE national electricity transmission grid to produce electricity.”

According to FANR, Nawah Energy Company, the operator of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has met all regulatory requirements to initiate the phase. It added that the milestone comes after extensive supervision, including conducting regular inspection to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear power plant.

Dubai announces $408.4m stimulus package to combat coronavirus slowdown

11 July 2020

Dubai has announced a AED1.5 billion ($408.4m) stimulus package to support the emirate’s economy during the ongoing financial crisis caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic. The package was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and brings the total support provided by the government to AED6.3bn ($1.7bn) since the onset of coronavirus. Sheikh Hamdan said: “We aim to enhance the liquidity of companies and support the continuity of their business and reduce the cost of doing business and facilitate procedures.”

UAE launches three projects worth over $80m

20 Aug 2020

Work from Ministry of Infrastructure Development concerns projects in Dubai and Sharjah The UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development has launched three projects in Dubai and Sharjah worth AED295 million ($80.3m). According to a report by Emirates News Agency, the ministry is currently overseeing the construction of the AED44.5m ($12.1m) Lesaily School project in Dubai, which is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2021. Quoting Moneera Abdulkareem, director of the southern region at the Ministry, the report said the project will cover 9,500 square metres.

In terms of Sharjah, Abdulkareem revealed that the second phase of the AED82.1m ($22.4m) Sharjah Dhaid-Masafi E88 Federal Road Project is around 88 percent complete, and is expected to be finished this year. The works will expand the existing local road network and will feature one lane in each direction and link Intersection No. 10 on the E88 Sharjah-Dhaid Road and E102 on the Sharjah-Meleiha Road. While the Sharjah Police Headquarters Project, which is costing an estimated AED172m ($46.8m), is 64 percent complete and is expected to be fully completed this year.