In 2015, the Emirati Women’s Day was introduced as a momentous occasion by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
Sheikha Fatima, known as the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ is the spouse of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates.
What is Emirati Women’s Day?
Emirati Women’s Day was inaugurated in 2015 with the noble purpose of commemorating and paying tribute to the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of Emirati women in the development and progress of their nation.
This special day serves as a testament to the pivotal role Emirati women play across various sectors, including business, government, education, healthcare, and culture. It also underscores the strides made in advancing women’s rights and opportunities within the country.
The selection of August 28 for Emirati Women’s Day is particularly significant as it marks the anniversary of the establishment of the UAE’s General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975, further cementing the importance of this date in celebrating the achievements and empowerment of Emirati women.
In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, let’s highlight five remarkable leaders who have made significant contributions to their nation and beyond in the field of science, technology and innovation:
Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri
HE Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri is the UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology. She is also the UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.
Al Amiri is a prominent Emirati leader in the fields of space exploration and advanced technology. Serving as the Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, she is instrumental in driving the UAE’s efforts to embrace Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, stimulate research and development, and foster the growth of new industries, all aimed at transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. As the Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, Al Amiri oversees the nation’s space sector, ensuring its contribution to economic development and sustainable progress. Her multifaceted leadership extends to roles in scientific councils, industrial innovation, and space missions, solidifying her as a driving force behind the UAE’s advancement in science and technology.
Al Anoud Al Hashmi
Al Anoud Al Hashmi is a visionary Emirati thought leader and seasoned entrepreneur, celebrated for her profound impact on Dubai, the UAE government, and the private sector. She has dedicated her career to the field of digital transformation with a futuristic focus. Over the past 15 years, she has assumed pivotal strategic roles, particularly in technology, sustainability, and communications, both at home and globally. Currently, as Founder and CEO of The Futurist Company, she’s pioneering various initiatives focused on driving digital transformation across the UAE, leveraging cutting-edge technologies in areas like energy, water, and food. Al Hashmi is also CEO of SDG Global and a Young Arab Leaders member, contributing her expertise to various organisations and recognised as a top influencer in her field. With a Global MBA from the University of Manchester and a ‘Digital Transformation’ certificate from MIT, she continues to drive innovation and sustainability, cementing her legacy as a transformative force in the UAE’s future.
Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei
Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei is a distinguished figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. As the Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Al-Cross Center Unit within the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Dr. Almazrouei has made significant contributions to AI research, development, and innovation in the UAE. Her pivotal role in developing Falcon LLM models, including the groundbreaking Falcon 40B, showcases her commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI. She also leads the big data expert subcommittee of the UAE Council for AI and Blockchain and serves as a member of the worldwide steering board of the Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF). A global influencer, she’s been recognised in prestigious lists, advocating for sustainability, and actively contributing to AI initiatives worldwide.
Nora Al Matrooshi
Nora Al Matrooshi is the first female Emirati astronaut. She joined the ‘2021 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class’, as part of a joint strategic agreement between the UAE and the United States of America, to train them at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University, AlMatrooshi’s academic foundation is complemented by her international training experience at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland. Her professional career is distinguished by her role as an engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company and her management of significant engineering projects for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Furthermore, her leadership is evident through her tenure as the vice president of the Youth Council at her workplace for three consecutive years. Al Matrooshi embodies the spirit of limitless exploration and the boundless potential of Emirati women in various fields.
Dr. Habiba Sayeed Alsafar
Dr. Habiba Sayeed Alsafar is a distinguished Emirati scientist whose groundbreaking work in genetics and biomedical engineering has left an indelible mark on the field. As an Assistant Professor at Khalifa University in the UAE, Dr. Alsafar is celebrated not only for her academic prowess but also for her pioneering research. She achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Emirati woman to uncover genes linked to type 2 diabetes within the country’s Bedouin population. Her educational journey, from a BSc in Biochemistry in the United States to a PhD in Medical and Forensic Science in Australia, reflects her relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her numerous accolades, including international awards and research grants, underscore her status as a true trailblazer in science, an inspiration to women in STEM, and a driving force behind advancements in genetics and healthcare in the UAE.
