MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The largest floating solar farm in Southeast Asia now powers more than 50,000 homes, avoiding 214,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Behind it is an Emirati woman who helped forge the cross-cultural bridges needed to transform a complex engineering vision into a project embraced by local communities.
Fatima Al Suwaidi, Head of Business Development (APAC) at Masdar, led its first renewable energy venture in the Southeast Asian market, the 145MWac (192 MWp) Cirata floating PV project.
When she first arrived in Indonesia in 2021, Al Suwaidi encountered language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and scepticism from local communities.
The young Emirati quickly realised that technical blueprints alone wouldn’t carry the project forward.
“I came to understand that leadership is not about giving directives, but about listening, engaging, and building solutions collaboratively.”
She learned Bahasa Indonesia to communicate directly with local residents to build real partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.
“It was important for me to be perceived not as an outsider, but as part of their community. I visited their homes, joined their cultural activities, and listened to their stories, which gave me invaluable insights.”
The turning point came when local communities began to view the project as an opportunity rather than a disruption, Al Suwaidi noted. “They became true partners, even contributing boats to transport solar panels.”
This direct engagement resulted in impactful community initiatives throughout the duration of her four-year in-country posting, including women’s entrepreneurship programmes, healthcare support for children and mothers, as well as school renovations.
“It reinforced the concept that sustainability is not only about technologies and projects, but also about values rooted in human connection and shared progress,” said Al Suwaidi.
The UAE celebrated Emirati Women’s Day 2025 on Thursday under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”.
For Al Suwaidi, this occasion is a reminder of the vast opportunities available to Emirati women, backed by a leadership that equips them with the tools needed to thrive.
Masdar founded the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform, in partnership with the Zayed Sustainability Prize, to empower women globally in addressing climate challenges.
“To every young Emirati woman, my message is this: Believe in your capabilities and know that working in sustainability is more than a profession, it is a national, ethical, and humanitarian mission to safeguard a better future for generations to come,” Al Suwaidi said.
“It is natural to feel fear when stepping into the unknown but let that fear drive your courage. Have faith in yourself, in your country’s unwavering support, and in the extraordinary impact that one person can make for their community, their nation, and the world.”