By Rabab Zehra – Executive Editor at TECHx
The United Arab Emirates is renowned for many things, but one aspect that is widely recognized is its commitment to safety and security for women. From bustling streets to private homes, the UAE offers a peaceful environment for women to thrive. This, coupled with increasing opportunities in the professional sphere, has empowered Emirati women to achieve remarkable feats, especially in the dynamic tech sector.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate five of these remarkable women who are shaping the future of technology in the UAE:
1. Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri: Leading UAE’s Martian Dreams
Imagine being in quarantine and receiving news that would propel you to the forefront of the global space race. That’s exactly what happened to Sarah Al Amiri, who, while in quarantine in Japan, was appointed the chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. As the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, she played a pivotal role in the successful Emirates Mars Mission, becoming the youngest person ever to lead a space agency. Her story is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the UAE’s commitment to fostering female leadership in STEM fields.
2. Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum: Soaring High as Dubai’s First Royal Female Pilot
Sheikha Mozah’s love for the skies began at a young age, taking her first flying lesson at the age of 12. Her passion and determination led her to become the first woman in the Royal Family to fly for Emirates Airline and the first female pilot in the Dubai Police Airwing. She is a true advocate for women’s empowerment in aviation, establishing the Women in Aviation Association to encourage more women to pursue careers in this exciting field.
3. Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi: Pioneering a Path for Emirati Women in Aviation Engineering
Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi shattered stereotypes by becoming the first Emirati woman to work as an aviation engineer. After graduating from the UK, she returned to the UAE and joined Emirates as the first female Emirati aircraft engineer. Today, she is a senior manager and technical advisor for a major aviation project, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their passions in traditionally male-dominated fields.
4. Huda Al Matroushi: Breaking Barriers in the Male-Dominated Car Repair Industry
Huda Al Matroushi’s story is one of defying expectations. Her childhood fascination with cars transformed into a successful career, making her one of the few Emirati women to own and manage a car repair shop in Sharjah. Her dedication and expertise even earned her the recognition of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who entrusted her with repairing his car.
5. Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei: Leading the Charge in AI and Digital Transformation
Dr. Ebtesam has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the inaugural Emirati individual to attain a doctoral degree in artificial intelligence with a focus on wireless communication engineering and computer science. Her educational journey includes the completion of her PhD and master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in communication and electrical engineering earned at the United Arab Emirates University.
These are just a few examples of the many talented and inspiring women who are shaping the UAE’s technological landscape. Their stories not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlight the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment for women across all sectors.
