Dubai’s bustling metropolis has long been synonymous with innovation and ambition. Its skyline, punctuated by architectural marvels, is a testament to its relentless pursuit of progress.
In this spirit, the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) and Oracle launched an initiative that aligns with the city’s forward-thinking ethos: the ‘sAIdaty’ programme in January this year. The initiative targets enhancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills among women professionals and entrepreneurs. It is set to empower 500 women, bolstering the UAE’s AI economy goals.
Under the leadership of Oracle Women Leadership (OWL), a global program dedicated to empowering current and future generations of Oracle women leaders, the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative aims to integrate AI skills into the professional toolkit of DBWC members. Over a year, participants will engage in a comprehensive training regimen designed to deepen their understanding of AI and its myriad applications across various industries.
This initiative is more than just a series of training sessions; it is a strategic effort to integrate women into the fabric of the UAE’s digital economy. By hosting classroom sessions, virtual meetings, speed mentoring events, and networking activities, Oracle and DBWC aim to create a supportive ecosystem where women can thrive. The involvement of technology experts, industry veterans, and government leaders from across the UAE and international markets will provide invaluable insights and mentorship.
Voices of the Participants
For many of the programme’s participants, the journey into AI is a significant step. Victoria Hepworth, Regional Manager, Vital Certificates GCC, a New Zealand native who has lived in Dubai for nearly 17 years, shared her perspective: “I am utterly clueless about AI and technology. Part of me feels I’m too old for this, but another part knows I must understand what’s happening. I am very grateful for this opportunity to get an introductory session on AI.”
Christin Riedel, a Business Consultant Lawyer from Germany who recently moved to Dubai, echoes this sentiment. She has been involved in AI from a legal standpoint and uses AI tools like ChatGPT in her work.
“I’m very interested in the developments and implications of AI. Programmes like ‘sAIdaty’ are crucial for gaining new insights and understanding how to take advantage of these technologies.”
Naina Ramnani, a Leadership Coach from Spain, has lived in Dubai for a decade. She is now a certified life and leadership coach after the pandemic impacted her distribution business.
She is keen to understand how AI can be applied in coaching: “I don’t know much about AI, but I’ve heard there’s a huge trend in its use for coaching. I want to learn how to leverage AI to improve my services.”
The initiative’s multicultural aspect is also noteworthy. As Riedel points out, “In technology, I primarily work with providing a platform where women from various cultural backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and support each other’s growth.
Hepworth adds, “Gender doesn’t bother me much; the content and connections matter. However, the multicultural nature of this group is a refreshing change from the more monocultural business networks I’ve been a part of.”
Bridging the AI knowledge gap
Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at DBWC, emphasises the significance of this partnership, “Our collaboration with Oracle marks a pivotal moment in DBWC’s commitment to empowering women professionals in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda. The ‘sAIdaty’ initiative will equip 500 of our members with crucial AI skills, propelling them to the forefront of innovation.”
The programme’s curriculum covers an impressive range of topics. Participants will gain a robust understanding of these technologies, from cloud computing and the basics of AI to more advanced concepts like Generative AI, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. In tandem with DBWC leaders, Oracle experts will provide real-world use cases and guide members through technology adoption.
Additionally, OWL members will conduct workshops focused on leadership skills, ensuring that participants understand the technology and how to leverage it effectively in their professional roles.
Nick Redshaw, Senior Vice President of tech Cloud, Middle East and Africa, and UAE Country Leader at Oracle, underscores the broader implications of the initiative: “The UAE’s digital economy strategy aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s non-oil GDP from 11.7 per cent to over 20 per cent within the next ten years. Women professionals and entrepreneurs represent a significant portion of the UAE’s workforce. It is crucial to equip them with the skills to adopt the latest technologies like AI.”
Building a community of innovators
The ‘sAIdaty’ initiative, focusing on inclusivity and skill enhancement, stands as a beacon of progress. Empowering women with AI skills advances their professional journeys and significantly contributes to the UAE’s digital economy goals. This initiative represents the next step in fostering innovation and growth in a city that constantly redefines the boundaries of what is possible.
The program’s blend of technical training and leadership development is designed to produce well-rounded professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern business environments. By understanding and implementing AI technologies, these women will be better positioned to drive innovation within their organisations and industries.
The broader impact of ‘sAIdaty’
Beyond the immediate benefits to the participants, the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative is poised to have a ripple effect across the broader community. As these women apply their new skills, they will inspire others and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This is particularly important in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where staying ahead of technological trends is crucial.
Oracle’s longstanding commitment to the UAE’s vision is evident in its history of initiatives to foster technological adoption. From setting up one of the first innovation hubs in Dubai dedicated to AI to upskilling over 1,000 Emirati students in emerging technologies, Oracle has been a steadfast partner in the nation’s digital transformation journey.
Looking to the Future
As the sun sets over Dubai’s iconic skyline, it casts a golden hue on the future – a future where women are not just participants but leaders in the AI-driven digital economy. Through initiatives like ‘sAIdaty,’ Dubai continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically advanced world.
Nadine Halabi encapsulated the spirit of the initiative: “Artificial Intelligence is a game-changer for businesses and careers, and our collaboration with Oracle aims to amplify its impact across Dubai and the UAE. We believe empowering women entrepreneurs in technology will advance their professional journeys and contribute significantly to the UAE’s digital economy goals.”
The ‘sAIdaty’ initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, commitment, and collaboration come together. It represents a significant step towards a future where technological innovation is accessible to all and women are at the forefront of this transformative journey.
