The students studying abroad in Japan are a core element in realizing the country’s future plans across various sectors, as they work towards fulfilling the vision of leadership by acquiring skills and knowledge that form the foundation of a knowledge-based economy. This effort aims to strengthen the Emirati national identity and promote values and behaviors of good citizenship, thereby enhancing the community’s values.
Mariam Al Naqbi mentioned that she is pursuing a degree in international engineering for environmental and community development at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. She chose Japan to further her master’s studies, and she is now a Ph.D. student, having carved a path rich with experiences and achievements.
Al Naqbi stated: “I have become an ambassador for the students, representing them before official visitors, and I am working on a pioneering research project that analyzes and evaluates sustainability reports for major events such as the Olympics and Expo. My goal is to offer a new framework for understanding how these events address global sustainability standards.”
She highlighted that this year has been pivotal, as she joined the Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy program organized by Masdar. Over time, her concern for gender balance and women’s rights has evolved into a genuine passion.
After recognizing the disparity between the number of female and male students in engineering and scientific disciplines, both globally and at her university, she initiated a project to establish a women’s club on campus aimed at fostering a supportive environment for every female student, faculty member, or employee.
Mariam Al Naqbi organizes various workshops and plans to visit schools to introduce female students to the realities of girls in scientific fields and to dispel the stereotypes surrounding them.
Additionally, she has joined the UAE Youth Council in Japan, which has enabled her to enhance connections between Emirati youth and their Japanese counterparts, discussing issues related to sustainability, innovation, and youth empowerment in international forums. Today, I believe my journey is not merely about education or positions; it’s a story of determination to turn dreams into reality.
I see myself as a bridge connecting two cultures, embodying a message of hope for every girl who believes her place in the fields of science and engineering is not far-fetched but rather a reality she can create herself.
Salem Hamad Al Dhaheri began his journey in applied chemical engineering at Tokai University in 2022, driven by his passion for change and a desire to represent the UAE positively abroad. He remarked, “Studying in Japan has offered me a unique experience to gain knowledge and expertise.”
Believing that volunteering is a gateway to goodness for individuals and society, he has ensured to engage in humanitarian efforts whenever opportunities arise, particularly those that provide services without charge and aim to disseminate benefits.
One of the most enjoyable experiences was his participation in the Science Education Volunteer program, where during the summer break, they invite Japanese families and their children to enjoy exciting chemical experiments.
Hamid Ahmed Al Ali obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Abu Dhabi University. Over the years, he felt a strong inclination toward scientific research and sustainability issues, leading him to Japan, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in environmental engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Science.
He said, “My research focus concentrates on assessing the environmental lifecycle of hydrogen production in water-scarce areas, integrating water desalination processes into production systems. I have participated in international conferences covering energy, environment, and scientific research, presenting papers on sustainable hydrogen.”
Abdullah Ibrahim Al Mansouri chose to study international relations and political science at Tokai University, having completed his secondary education at Japanio School in Japan.
He has received several awards, notably from Abu Rachani University in Thailand and recognition from the Japanese Ministry of Finance for representing Japan at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Abdullah Bin Tamim is working diligently towards a master’s degree in applied sciences, specializing in nuclear engineering at Tokai University. He participated in the International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE32) and managed specialized sessions there.
He mentioned, “I have conducted numerous specialized scientific research in the energy field and participated in workshops at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, receiving multiple awards.”