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UAE President appoints new director general for nuclear regulation authority
Prior to Al Kaabi's appointment, Christer Viktorsson — a nuclear physicist with over 35 years of experience in nuclear regulation — had been in the role since 2015
- PUBLISHED: Sun 7 Jun 2026, 3:53 PM UPDATED: Sun 7 Jun 2026, 10:52 PM
The UAE President appointed Hamed Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi as the new Director General for the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation on Sunday, June 7.
In an announcement, the government stated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had issued a federal decree for the same.
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Prior to Al Kaabi's appointment, Christer Viktorsson — a nuclear physicist with over 35 years of experience in nuclear regulation and safety — had been in the role since 2015.
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Meanwhile Al Kaabi — the new head of the independent body regulator — has served as a primary interlocutor on matters relating to nuclear energy, nuclear safety and nonproliferation between the UAE and international organisations and governments, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He also served as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation. Al Kaabi holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University.
He was awarded the Order of Zayed II Class in recognition of his diplomatic efforts in strengthening the UAE’s international relations. Throughout his career, he has contributed to supporting the UAE’s efforts to develop its peaceful nuclear energy programme and enhance its international standing in the fields of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
What is FANR?
The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) is the independent regulatory body responsible for oversight of nuclear safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards, and enforcement of global agreements entered into by the UAE.
FANR was established in accordance with Federal Law by Decree No 6 of 2009, Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, which was issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE.
FANR regulates the design, siting, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear energy plants in the country. It also regulates all radioactive material and radiation sources used in medicine, research and other industries, and is committed to its core values of safety awareness and responsibility, competency, independence and transparency.
