The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the completion of “yet another milestone” in the development of the country’s first nuclear energy plant, with the successful installation of its Unit 3 Reactor Vessel (RV) at Barakah.
The installation is a critical step in the continued progress and delivery of the country’s third nuclear energy unit and follows the successful installation of the Barakah Unit 2 RV in 2015 and the Unit 1 RV in 2014.
Weighing over 400 tons and measuring almost 15 meters in height, the RV will eventually contain the controlled nuclear reaction that will generate the safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy that will feed into the UAE grid.
The installation of the Unit 3 RV, shipped from South Korea, was celebrated at an event held at the Barakah Plant hosted by ENEC’s CEO Mohamed Al-Hammadi, with guests of honor Saeed Eid Al-Ghafli, chairman of the Executive Office, and Awaidha Murshed Ali Al-Marar, chairman of Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport and a member of the Executive Council.
The event was also attended by guests from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the Regulation Supervisory Board (RSB), Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA), Western Region Municipality and the Korean Ambassador to the UAE.
ENEC’s CEO Mohamed Al-Hammadi said: “The safe and successful installation of ENEC’s third reactor vessel is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. I would like to personally thank the KEPCO and Doosan teams for their commitment to the Barakah project’s development.”
The project at Barakah is progressing steadily. Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now more than 65 percent complete. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid.
ENEC completes Barakah's third RV installation
ENEC completes Barakah's third RV installation
LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future
Alkhobar’s New Corniche transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit when more than 22,000 people gathered for the highly anticipated “LuLu Walkathon.” Organized by LuLu Saudi Hypermarket, the 3-km event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Alkhobar municipality on Jan. 31. The walkathon successfully united the community under the themes of health and environmental sustainability.
The event was held with the cooperation of Meshaal Al-Harbi, head of Alkhobar municipality, and Tareq Al-Qahtani, director of the Ministry of Sport’s Eastern Province branch. The official flag-off was performed by Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia.
This year’s walkathon went beyond fitness, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment including soulful traditional Arabic music, a contemporary violin performance, and a playful “donuts dance,” which ensured a festive atmosphere for families of all ages.
A major highlight of the morning was the presence of Khadra. Khadra served as a living reminder of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted cultural artistry, posing for photos with the thousands of participants who lined the coast. To ensure every attendee felt the spirit of the celebration, participants were geared up with a premium merchandise kit containing custom-branded T-shirts and caps. Furthermore, every individual who successfully completed the 3-km route was rewarded with an exclusive LuLu goodie bag at the finish line to celebrate their achievement.
Sustainability remained a core pillar for the LuLu Walkathon this year, reflecting the brand’s long-term environmental vision. LuLu’s staff managed the route with a strict focus on environmental responsibility, while strategically placed refreshment stalls kept walkers hydrated without compromising the pristine condition of the corniche.
The massive success of the event was supported by key partners, including MasterCard as the commercial sponsor and Nada, which provided vital refreshments, alongside significant support from Radio Mirchi and Alyaum newspaper.
“The walkathon concluded not just as a race, but as a meaningful tribute to the Kingdom’s past and a definitive step toward a sustainable future,” a statement said. “By blending physical activity with cultural celebration and environmental stewardship, LuLu Hypermarket reaffirmed its commitment to the Saudi community, promoting an active, engaged, and responsible lifestyle for all residents.”
