Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Across STEM and innovation, Emirati women are breaking new ground in robotics, autonomous motorsport, engineering and advanced research, with a message of confidence, growth and ambition.
In conversations with Aletihad on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, Emirati women working across STEM and innovation shared their thoughts on this year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, and how it resonates with their professional journeys.
This year, the UAE marked Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebrations from August 28 to September 28, highlighting the achievements and contributions of women to the nation’s development journey.
World-class Opportunities within Reach
For Salamah Almazrouei, MSc in Robotics, Class of 2026, and Incoming Ph.D. student in Robotics, MBZUAI, the theme is closely tied to stepping into unfamiliar territory. “To me, ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ is about having the confidence to step into new territory and help shape what comes next.”
With no previous robotics cohort to follow, Almazrouei described the experience as both challenging and meaningful. For her, one of the biggest changes has been having access to advanced education in emerging technologies without having to leave the UAE.
“Not long ago, a robotics degree at this level meant leaving the country. That has changed.” She pointed to the UAE’s early investment in artificial intelligence, including the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the establishment of MBZUAI, as creating new pathways while allowing students to remain close to their families and communities.
“Access changes ambition. When world-class opportunities are within reach, the possibilities expand,” she said.
An Engineering Mindset
Amna Almarzooqi, Race Car Engineer at A2RL, said this year’s theme has an engineering aspect: learn from every test, improve and return stronger.
Her own journey took her from aviation maintenance engineering into autonomous motorsport, an area she had never expected to enter when she began her studies.
“‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ reflects an engineering mindset.”
Working in an environment where conditions constantly change has pushed her to develop technically and professionally.
“Growth does not happen all at once. It comes from staying curious, learning continuously, and embracing opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone,” she said.
UAE’s Investment in Women’s Education
For Ghadeer AlKatheeri, Researcher, Advanced Control and Electronics, PSRC, at TII, the theme reflects resilience and the ability to grow through difficult periods.
She said the UAE’s approach to challenges, while remaining grounded in its values, has influenced her own understanding of strength. "I think this year's theme fits very well with the UAE's approach in navigating challenges, most prominently in the way we present ourselves to the world."
She sees sustained government investment in women’s education, training and leadership opportunities as one of the most significant drivers of progress.
Shaped by Challenge and Change
For Taif Alhmoudi, Business Development Manager at VentureOne, becoming stronger is not necessarily a straight journey. Her career began in a technical engineering environment before expanding into business development, strategic partnerships and the commercialisation of advanced technologies.
“‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ reflects the idea that meaningful growth is rarely linear. It is often shaped by challenge, change, and the moments that push us beyond what feels familiar."
Alhmoudi also sees an important shift in how Emirati women are viewed professionally. “The greatest change has been the shift from encouraging Emirati women to participate to genuinely trusting them to lead, influence decisions, and shape outcomes.”
Embracing Growth with Courage
For Dr Mariam AlNuaimi, Startup Journey and Programmes, Hub71, becoming stronger is about responding to change with courage rather than fearing it. Her own career has moved across government, academia and supporting founders, but she sees those transitions as different ways of pursuing the same purpose.
"To me, ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ is about embracing growth with courage. It's a reminder that life will continually challenge us, but every challenge gives us the opportunity to become a better version of ourselves."
AlNuaimi believes one of the UAE’s most important changes has been moving beyond encouraging women to succeed and trusting them to lead across different sectors.
“One of the greatest changes in the UAE has been creating an environment where Emirati women are not only encouraged to succeed but trusted to lead,” she added.
