BATOOL AL GHAITH AND MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Along with the UAE’s rise in AI, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing is the rise of women in engineering. Whether they are developing satellite cameras or working in the field on remote islands, these engineers are stepping up to help build a future-ready UAE.
On International Women in Engineering Day, marked every June 23, the country’s female builders and innovators speak about the passion and purpose they have found in a nation that sees no limit to possibility.
Fatima Al Hosani, Technical Engineer at EDGE’s Radar and Electronic Warfare Centre of Excellence, is proud of what she does. She supports the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced radar and electronic warfare technologies, helping ensure they perform reliably in demanding operational environments.
“It is particularly rewarding to know that the work we do contributes to building advanced national capabilities and developing expertise within the country,” Al Hosani told Aletihad. She has also observed a shift: in recent years, more women have been entering highly specialised fields and taking on increasingly technical responsibilities.
Chitranshi Tewari, for example, is a Senior Principal Engineer for Optical Payloads at EDGE’s space company FADA. And while her daily tasks may involve a whole lot of graphs and equations, she describes her role in simple terms: “I make the cameras that take photos of Earth from space".
Her work has contributed to systems that have imaged the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and her current mission is to help develop this technology within the UAE and support the next generation of Emirati engineers.
“The UAE has identified space as a strategic sector, and it is very rewarding to apply my knowledge and experience to initiatives that are helping shape the country’s future in space innovation,” Tewari said.
Taking Emirati Innovation to Global Stage
Maha Al Mufti, Principal Systems Engineer at EDGE’s Electro-Optics Centre of Excellence, works in an equally specialised domain. She translates real-world operational challenges into advanced technological solutions. And recently, she took that work to one of the world’s largest defence exhibitions in France, showcasing locally developed technology in a moment she described as “both a privilege and a responsibility”.
“Seeing Emirati innovation presented with confidence on a global platform is a reminder of how far we have come and what is possible when investment in people is matched by ambition,” she said.
Al Mufti believes engineering will continue to play a critical role in turning the UAE’s vision into reality, and that women are firmly part of that story.
“Women are making meaningful contributions across engineering, research, and technology, and that progress deserves to be celebrated. This is a chance to inspire the next generation,” she said.
Electrical engineer Jawaher Ibrahim Al Ameeri shared the sentiment, noting that the UAE’s focus on technology, digital transformation, and sustainability has opened new pathways for women engineers to build expertise.
“Women engineers in the UAE have made remarkable progress in recent years, contributing to key sectors such as technology, sustainability, and infrastructure, while taking on increasing leadership roles,” she told Aletihad.
Al Hosani highlighted that “the talent has always been there”. With more opportunities opening up, more women are being encouraged to pursue these careers, she said.
Success Not Tied to Gender
Engineer Mariam Al Mehri, Measurement and Control Engineer at OilServ, acknowledged that while engineering remains a field where women are underrepresented in some areas, determination and confidence have enabled Emirati women to excel.
“Thanks to the support and trust instilled by our wise leadership, we have overcome these challenges and proven that ambition and success are not linked to gender, but to determination and self-confidence,” Al Mehri said.
This confidence sees women go beyond technical roles and into leadership. Engineer and sustainability expert Meera Al Blooshi said: “Today, Emirati women are contributing to some of the country’s most strategic priorities, from advanced technologies and infrastructure to energy transition and industrial transformation.”
Leadership programmes, mentorship initiatives and industry recognition are expanding their horizons, she added. “Those who embrace lifelong learning, seek diverse experiences and remain adaptable will be better positioned to lead innovation and create meaningful impact.”
Engineering’s reach extends beyond laboratories and industrial sites. For some, it means improving the systems and processes that enable people and teams to work more effectively. “Much of my work focuses on driving continuous improvement, fostering collaboration and helping teams adapt to change so they can deliver better outcomes,” said Dana Alteneiji, Senior Associate for Strategy and Excellence at BRIDGE.
As the UAE continues to invest in innovation, talent and capability development, Alteneiji said contributing to projects that support the country’s strategic ambitions means playing a part in shaping its future.
She described Women in Engineering Day as a moment to honour both those who came before and those still pushing forward. “It is a chance to recognise the women who helped create opportunities for future generations, as well as the talented women around us who continue to push boundaries and make an impact every day,” she said.
To the young girls discovering the wonders of STEM and developing a love for building things and solving problems, Tewari said: keep going, and never let stereotypes define your ambition. “Seek out mentors, ask questions, and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Most importantly, believe in your abilities and pursue what excites you, and you will find success,” she added.