Big news has come from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, a drone attack on an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE’s Al-Dhafra region caused a fire. Authorities responded quickly and extinguished the fire. This latest drone attack comes amid stalled talks between the US and Iran. The US halted the attacks last month but later imposed a blockade on the ports.
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, 2026The Barakah Nuclear Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region, is considered the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world and provides a large portion of the UAE’s electricity supply.
The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran in West Asia. The United Arab Emirates has been hit by a number of missile and drone attacks in recent months. UAE officials claim some of these attacks were carried out by Iran-backed elements, targeting energy projects and maritime infrastructure.
No injury
Abu Dhabii: According to the official media office in Abu Dabhi, no injuries were reported in the attack. Radiation safety levels remained completely unaffected, and none of the plant’s essential systems were affected. The Federal Nuclear Regulation Authority (FANR) has confirmed that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is operating normally. The government has asked people to trust only government information and avoid rumours.
🚨 BREAKING: 🇦🇪 Drone strikes Barakah Nuclear Plant
A drone just hit an electric generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
No radiation leak. pic.twitter.com/R5ScKs8S8A
— Ebrahim Zolfaghari Commentary (@Irantimes02) May 17, 2026Iran carried out the most attacks on the UAE
The UAE has been hit by numerous missile and drone attacks since the Iran war began on February 28th. Energy installations and maritime infrastructure have been previously targeted. While no one has claimed responsibility for this latest attack, UAE officials say drones linked to Iran were used. According to a report, the UAE has been hardest hit since the US and Israel began attacks on Iran in late February. Iran has fired more than 2,800 drones and missiles at the UAE.
US-Iran talks stalled
Meanwhile, talks between the US and Iran are also stalled. The US halted its attacks last month, but later began a blockade of Iranian ports. Iran also maintains strict control over the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption of the route has deepened the global oil crisis and sent crude prices soaring. Peace talks between the US and Iran are also currently stalled, as both countries are unwilling to accept each other’s proposals.
Security measures tightened- Abu Dhabi
The incident occurred outside the plant’s outer perimeter, posing no threat to radiological safety. Abu Dhabi authorities have tightened security measures and launched an investigation. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is the UAE’s first nuclear power plant and plays a vital role in meeting the country’s clean energy needs. The plant, consisting of four units, has a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts.
What do experts think?
Experts believe that in recent years, nuclear plants have become increasingly a tactic of war and conflict. Global concerns about the security of nuclear facilities also grew during the Russia-Ukraine war. Similarly, amid the US-Iran conflict, Tehran has repeatedly claimed that its Bushehr nuclear plant was targeted. However, no radioactive leak has been confirmed.
6 Palestinians killed in Israeli attack
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported six deaths and 19 injuries over the past two days. These include two new deaths and four bodies recovered from under rubble. It also said that many victims were still lying under rubble or on the roadside, and that ambulances and civil defense teams were unable to reach them. The ministry has recorded 871 killings caused by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began on October 11, 2025, last year.
Edited By: Bhoomi Goyal
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