Hosted for the first time in the Middle East, the24th Women in Nuclear Annual Global conference has opened in Abu Dhabi, UAE to celebrate and inspire women in all aspects of the nuclear industry including energy and healthcare.

Gathering global experts from the nuclear industry at the Fairmont, Bab al Bahr hotel until November 23, the conference is held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, president of the General Women’s Union, chairwoman of Motherhood and Childhood Supreme Council, and hosted by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

“It gives me immense pride for the UAE to be the first country in the Middle East to host this conference,” said Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. “Emirati women are playing an increasingly important role in the UAE’s nuclear industry holding critical positions at different levels. The conference is a great platform to reinforce the role our female citizens play in the UAE’s nuclear industry and encourage the next generation of women interested in contributing to the world’s future to be more involved.”

The women working for the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its operating company, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah) are at the forefront of the nuclear industry in the region and both organisations place strong emphasis on nurturing and supporting their female employees.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer, ENEC said: “ENEC is privileged to welcome the WiN Global Conference to the region. As a key leader of the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, we have always taken a dynamic approach to creating a diverse workforce- by nationality, knowledge, skills, experience and gender. With women making up a substantial portion of our total employees, in a variety of positions including nuclear engineers to project managers to support staff, we greatly benefit from the breadth of skills and expertise our female colleagues bring.”

“ENEC’s mission to deliver safe, clean, efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the UAE grid will support economic development and diversification, providing highly-skilled job opportunities for UAE Nationals.”

He added: “I am confident that the 24th Women in Nuclear Annual Global conference is going to build on our already strong ties with the international community, inspiring more Emirati women to pursue opportunities in this field and embark on a rewarding career in the development and implementation of peaceful nuclear energy in the UAE.”

Mohammed Sahoo Al Suwaidi, acting chief executive officer of Nawah, said:  “Nawah is privileged to be part of the 24th Women in Nuclear (WiN) Annual Global Conference - an ENEC sponsored event. The WiN conference will bring together nuclear professionals under a unique platform, to share knowledge, network, and form relationships for future collaboration.”

“This international approach reflects Nawah’s key objective of building a diverse workforce to safely operate and maintain the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plants. Women are essential in this drive for diversity and currently make up over 20 per cent of our workforce.

“We aim to be globally recognized as a top nuclear operator and the UAE employer of choice. People are our most critical asset and our Emirati-led, multi-national, multi-cultural organization is working together to achieve our desired results,” he added.

In a burgeoning environment of peaceful nuclear energy, the 24thWomen in Nuclear Annual Global conference is a dynamic platform to engage women playing an active role in this field, across the globe, and identify opportunities for the next generation of women to participate in.

Commenting on the conference, Dr See Moon Park, president of Women in Nuclear Global said: “I would like to express my appreciation to the UAE for progressing the nuclear energy agenda and reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in addressing climate change in the Middle East. Hosting the WiN conference in Abu Dhabi this year will unite key players from across the globe to discuss key issues to ensure long term sustainability.” – TradeArabia News Service