The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched operations at the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, BBC News reported.

Nuclear fission has begun in one of four reactors at the Barakah plant.

The UAE wants Barakah to meet a quarter of its energy needs.

Energy will be generated by 1,400-megawatt pressurized water reactors.

UAE leaders hailed the start-up on Saturday as a symbol of the country's scientific progress.

The leader of Abu Dhabi, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, tweeted his congratulations "marking this milestone in the roadmap for sustainable development."