February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a commercial nuclear power station located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, approximately 53 kilometers west-southwest of the city of Ruwais. It consists of four APR-1400 pressurized water reactor units, each with a capacity of approximately 1,400 megawatts, giving the plant a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts. Barakah is the first nuclear power plant in the UAE and the first multi-unit commercial nuclear facility in the Arab world.

UAE Context

Construction of Barakah began in 2012 following a 2009 agreement between the UAE and a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) oversees the project, while Nawah Energy Company operates the plant. Unit 1 began commercial operations in April 2021, with subsequent units progressively coming online. At full operation, Barakah supplies up to 25 percent of Abu Dhabi’s electricity needs, making it one of the most significant clean energy projects in the region. The UAE’s nuclear program is distinguished by its commitment to non-proliferation, having voluntarily renounced domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

Key Data

  • Location: Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi
  • Reactor type: Four APR-1400 pressurized water reactors
  • Total capacity: 5,600 megawatts
  • Unit 1 commercial operation: April 2021
  • Electricity contribution: Up to 25 percent of Abu Dhabi’s grid
  • Carbon avoidance: Displaces approximately 22 million tonnes of CO2 annually at full capacity
  • Developer: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) with KEPCO

Significance for Vision 2031

Barakah represents the UAE’s largest single investment in clean baseload power generation and is central to the nation’s energy transition strategy within Vision 2031. By providing reliable, emissions-free electricity at scale, the plant reduces the UAE’s dependence on natural gas for power generation while supporting industrial growth and population expansion. Barakah directly contributes to the national Net Zero 2050 target and demonstrates the UAE’s capacity to execute complex, multi-billion-dollar technology projects with international partnerships.

  • Masdar City - Abu Dhabi’s sustainable energy development complementing nuclear
  • ADNOC - The oil company whose gas Barakah helps displace from power generation
  • Non-Oil GDP - Economic output supported by reliable clean energy supply