True progress is not solely defined by ambition; it is determined by who is enabled to influence it. As we celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, it’s crucial to examine what genuine leadership in the fields of science and technology entails.
This consideration goes beyond mere symbolism; it involves assessing who participates in decision-making processes and who contributes to the frameworks that will influence our future.
In the UAE, the idea of women in technology being an anomaly has never been accepted. Our leadership has consistently emphasized the role of women in driving national advancement, whether in domains like space exploration, renewable energy, or pioneering scientific research.
This vision is prominent within the UAE’s knowledge-driven economy, where women are expected to emerge as innovators, scientists, and leaders.
Personally, this resonates with me. I grew up among women who excelled in fields such as medicine and finance, occupations traditionally viewed as rigorous yet socially acceptable for women.
My journey took a different turn. I found my passion in mathematics, focusing on abstract concepts and system logic, which ultimately led me to cryptography, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. My engagement with technology was not about proving a point; it was about finding the most effective path to solve intricate, real-world challenges.
Throughout my journey, like many others in technical domains, I faced skepticism—not regarding my work, but concerning my role within it. Such experiences did not discourage me; they clarified my determination not just to join in but to take the lead.
At the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), our commitment to this vision unfolds daily. The Institute hosts over 355 female scientists and engineers, including 157 Emirati women, who are engaged in fields like AI, robotics, quantum technology, cryptography, and space science. Many are spearheading AI research initiatives, from enhancing our Falcon large language models to developing ethical AI systems, underscoring the significant role women play in shaping the UAE’s AI landscape. They are establishing foundational structures, defining standards, and driving a new era of innovation led by Emiratis.
Their efforts exemplify the UAE’s strategic strengths.
Conversely, the global scenario is starkly different. According to Randstad, women constitute less than one-third of AI professionals and a mere 18% of AI researchers. This disparity is not linked to lack of interest or skill; rather, it stems from unequal access, representation, and the systems that dictate leadership roles. In a domain as vital as AI, which is swiftly transforming industries, geopolitics, and governance, this inequity poses a significant risk.
UAE’s Commitment to Inclusion
Here in the UAE, our approach diverges; inclusion is regarded not as a mere ethical obligation but as a strategic asset.
A prime illustration is the NexTech Program, the premier talent development initiative of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). Exclusively aimed at Emirati nationals, it has successfully enrolled 100 students, a substantial number of whom are women, at top-tier universities like Cambridge, Yale, and CalTech.
By gaining experience in advanced projects overseas and applying their knowledge back home, these women are emerging as the next generation of leaders in transformative fields, including AI. Their accomplishments reflect the UAE’s unwavering commitment to placing women at the core of its scientific evolution.
Emirati Women in AI
The stakes are undeniably high. The forthcoming generation of Emirati women in AI will be crucial in ensuring that the UAE’s technological advancements are inclusive, ethical, and competitive on a global scale. They will be instrumental in crafting algorithms that drive our industries, designing intelligent systems to benefit society, and developing solutions that are yet to be envisioned.
As one of the few women globally in a leadership role at a deep tech research institute, I recognize the importance of advancing science, mentoring, and leading. I often encounter young Emirati women who inquire about my journey in this field. My response is always the same: I did not wait for permission. As women, we are inherently part of this sphere.
Every young woman contemplating a career in science and technology should have the boldness to forge her path. Your intellect, creativity, and resilience are invaluable. They are vital. This sector needs your perspectives at its core.
However, for this to materialize, inclusion must move beyond being an aspiration; it has to be actionable. We need to persist in our investments in mentorship, education, and opportunities.
Empowering women in AI will catalyze innovation, enhance national competitiveness, and solidify the UAE’s leadership in future technologies. If innovation is to benefit all of society, then all segments of society must engage in its development.
This Emirati Women’s Day is not solely a celebration of past accomplishments but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges. AI is already ingrained in our economies, public services, and security systems. To achieve efficient, ethical, and robust systems, they must encompass the entire spectrum of human intelligence, including women.
When women thrive in AI, they elevate more than just themselves—they enhance standards, improve systems, and the entire nation progresses alongside them.
Read: Prioritizing Inclusivity in the Workplace: A Strategic Imperative for the UAE