During my upbringing, discussions surrounding science and technology often portrayed them as unexplored territories for Emirati women.
However, that narrative feels outdated now. Walk into any classroom, laboratory, or boardroom in the UAE, and you will witness women not just participating but also leading the discourse. In the UAE, the landscape of women in STEM is transitioning from mere participants to key decision-makers.
At MBZUAI, I observe this transformation daily. Our first undergraduate cohort this year includes 35 percent women, with 29 percent of women in our graduate programs. These figures echo a national trend: women constitute 70 percent of all higher education graduates in the UAE and a remarkable 56 percent of STEM graduates from government institutions.
This indicates that the “pipeline problem” often cited in other regions is less prevalent here. The talent is indeed present. The pressing question remains: how can we ensure women are empowered to influence the trajectory of AI and emerging technologies?
My career has afforded me a unique perspective on how this empowerment unfolds. Over the last 13 years, I have engaged with some of Abu Dhabi’s most innovative organizations. Each position has illuminated how the interplay of innovation, policy, and entrepreneurship fosters advancement.
Leadership transcends titles
For me, leadership has never hinged on the job title I hold. It revolves around transforming ideas into tangible impacts and fostering enduring communities. This is why I have dedicated time to initiatives beyond my official roles, such as founding The Tutoring Center Abu Dhabi, establishing Abu Dhabi Female Divers, or initiating cultural projects like Soul and Brain Juice. Although these endeavors may appear disconnected from AI, they all underscore a single truth: when women take the lead, new opportunities emerge.
However, the global landscape illustrates that there is still significant work to be done. Only 22 percent of professionals in AI worldwide are women, and in the Middle East and North Africa, this figure plummets to 8 percent. These discrepancies signify missed opportunities, unheard voices, and uncharted innovations.
Empowering Emirati women to lead
This is why the UAE’s strategy is so vital. Here, women are not merely motivated to study AI; they are empowered to take charge in determining its societal implications. For us, this entails cultivating researchers and innovators who are not only proficient in technical skills but also prepared to influence AI’s effects on industries, communities, and global issues.
I see this period as a crucial transition in both progress and accountability. The generation before us fought relentlessly to dismantle barriers and demonstrate that women have a rightful place in STEM fields. Now, it is our responsibility to advance this legacy, to steer global dialogues, to create urgently needed solutions, and to ensure that technology is driven by inclusivity alongside innovation.
Defining the future of AI
The evolution of AI will not solely be dictated by algorithms. It will be shaped by the ethical values we incorporate—fairness, responsibility, and human-centric advancement. In the UAE, these values are increasingly crafted by women who perceive leadership as a duty rather than a privilege.
We are no longer just participants in the conversation; we are actively shaping its direction. As the UAE propels its vision of a knowledge-based economy forward, Emirati women are confidently stepping up.
Together, alongside our peers, institutions, and our nation, we honor 50 years of progress and eagerly anticipate the next 50 with the same ambition and optimism.
Rawdha Almeraikhi is the Director of Outreach at MBZUAI
Explore: Women’s role in AI offers a strategic advantage for the UAE, asserts TII’s Dr. Najwa Aaraj