ABU DHABI: A drone strike caused a fire in an electrical generator near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, authorities said, adding that there was no impact on radiation levels or nuclear safety.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted three drones that entered the country from the western border area.
Two drones were successfully neutralised, while a third struck a generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah facility in the Al Dhafra region, according to the defence ministry.
The ministry said an investigation was underway to determine the source of the attack and that further details would be released once inquiries are completed.
UAE air defences intercept 3 UAVs.
The Ministry of Defence announced that on 17th May 2026, UAE air defence systems intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction.
The ministry said that two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted, while the… pic.twitter.com/Ca6JRwc8w8
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 17, 2026
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemned the drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi.
The Foreign Minister said the incident represented a breach of international law.
He said the UAE reserved its “full right” to respond to such attacks and to take all necessary measures to protect its security, territorial integrity and citizens in accordance with international law.
UAE Condemns Terrorist Targeting of Barakah Plant Perimeter pic.twitter.com/YjnAUU6X4n
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 17, 2026
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the strike caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter.
It said the fire was brought under control and there was no impact on radiological safety levels.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological…
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 17, 2026
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that the plant’s essential systems were operating normally.
Barakah is the UAE’s first nuclear power plant and a key part of its clean energy strategy.
It began full commercial operations in September 2024 and supplies a significant share of the country’s electricity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed “grave concern” over the incident.
The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP. Emergency diesel generators… pic.twitter.com/km2rg08Gvd
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) May 17, 2026
In a statement on X, the agency said Director General Grossi warned that “military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable”.
The IAEA said it had been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah plant remained normal and no injuries had been reported.
