ABU DHABI, UAE May 17, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of a drone strike that caused a fire outside the perimeter of the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, describing the incident as a serious threat to regional security and stability.
According to the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Media Office and Defense Ministry, three drones approached from the country’s western border on Sunday. Air defense systems successfully intercepted two, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant in the Al Dhafra region. The fire was quickly contained, with no injuries reported and no impact on radiological safety levels or plant operations.
The Barakah plant, the Arab world’s first nuclear power facility and a key source of electricity for the UAE (capable of supplying up to a quarter of the country’s needs), was built with South Korean assistance and began operations in 2020.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed “the strongest condemnation” of the attack on its Gulf neighbor, reaffirming full solidarity with the UAE and support for all measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
The UAE has described the strike as a “dangerous escalation” and an “unprovoked terrorist attack,” while launching an investigation into its origins. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan contacted regional counterparts, including in Saudi Arabia, as well as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The IAEA has expressed grave concern over threats to nuclear facilities and is monitoring the situation.
While some regional voices and media reports have pointed toward Iran or Iran-aligned proxies as possible perpetrators—amid ongoing tensions following a fragile ceasefire in the broader Iran-related conflict—Iran has denied involvement. No group has yet claimed responsibility, and investigations continue.
The incident marks the first reported direct strike near the Barakah facility amid heightened regional sensitivities. It has prompted widespread calls for de-escalation to prevent any risk to critical civilian nuclear infrastructure in the Gulf.
Qatar and other Arab states have joined Saudi Arabia in condemning the attack, underscoring shared concerns over stability in the region.
This event comes at a delicate time, with broader geopolitical frictions involving Iran, the UAE, and other Gulf actors. Authorities emphasize that nuclear safety remains uncompromised, but the strike highlights vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure.
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