New graduates set to become pioneers of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy sector

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 18 September 2014

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) yesterday celebrated the graduation of 46 students who have successfully completed specialist courses in nuclear energy from various institution in the UAE like Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and universities abroad in the United States, United Kingdom and South Korea.

The ceremony was attended by ENEC's CEO, Mohamed Al Hammadi who delivered a congratulatory speech to the students and their families, as well as Dr. William Travers

Director Generalof Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation, Mariam Al Mahmoud, Director of Education and Training at FANR; Dr. Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University and  Dr. Ahmed Al Awar, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic Director, in addition to a number of senior officials, students families and guests.

"In delivering the UAE's first nuclear energy plant,  we are very much aware of the need for specialist talent to continue the UAE's growth. Nuclear energy requires specialist engineering and scientific academic capabilities and our graduate students are some of the best and brightest talent from the UAE," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC.

"We realized the challenge we had in ensuring we employed the right people to power the country's peaceful nuclear energy program. This is why we started the scholarship program back in 2009, and five years later we are proud to be celebrating the students' graduation. Their input and contribution will be invaluable for ENEC's program and I look forward to observing their continued progress with ENEC," added Mohamed Al Hammadi.

During the event the students and guests heard speeches from representatives of FANR, Abu Dhabi Poytechnic and Khalifa University. They received their graduation certificates as the first official batch of graduates of ENEC's Energy Pioneers program.

Ali AlNuaimi, one of the graduate students said: "I am proud to be part of the Energy Pioneers. I speak on behalf of all the graduates when I say that we will work hard for continuous development and continue to strive for excellence, setting an example to future generations of pioneers of peaceful nuclear energy."

The Energy Pioneers program was set up to develop human capacity in the organization. It aims to attract excellent science students, engineering graduates and experienced professionals and train them to become leaders in the peaceful nuclear energy sector. The Energy Pioneers will have an important role in the success of the nuclear energy program in the UAE, where they will receive training of the highest international standards by the industry's leading global experts. To date, ENEC has awarded scholarships to more than 340 Emirati nationals in a range of programs.

By 2020, ENEC will need approximately 2,500 employees to power the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy program and over 60 per cent of these roles will be filled by talented Emirati women and men, such as the students who have just graduated.

To meet that target, ENEC offers a series of scholarships opportunities through its Energy Pioneers program.  The HDNT, bachelors and masters courses are offered by ENEC through the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Khalifa University and students benefit from hands-on, high-tech training and practical experience. In the HDNT course, after three years students are qualified with a diploma in their chosen job stream as well as a Job Qualification Certificate (JQC).

The completion rate at Unit 1 of Barakah has reached more than 57%, which is one of four plants being built as part of the nation's peaceful nuclear energy program. The construction for the second nuclear power plant is also continuing at the same time. According to the timetable set by ENEC, Unit 1 is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2017, Unit 2 in 2018, Unit 3 in 2019, and finally Unit 4 in 2020.

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About ENEC
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is working to deliver safe, clean, efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the United Arab Emirates - energy that is needed to support the UAE's social and economic growth.

Established by decree in December 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, ENEC specializes in the deployment, ownership and operation of civil nuclear energy plants within the UAE, with a mission is to deliver electricity to the UAE grid in 2017. 

Driven by a Culture of Safety, ENEC's overriding priority is ensuring the safety of the UAE community, employees and the environment.

For more information, visit www.enec.gov.ae.

Media Contact
media@enec.gov.ae

© Press Release 2014