Emirati female engineers are playing a pivotal role across the Stem sector and taking up roles in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Gender equality at the workplace is a sign that the UAE’s focus on promoting women in Stem is beginning to pay off.
According to a 2018 Times Higher Education report, the number of female students in the country enrolling in Stem subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is far higher than in many other countries, such as the UK, Canada, Germany and France.
The study found almost half, 44.5 per cent, of engineering graduates were women, while in Germany, Canada and the UK, the figure is 20 per cent or lower.
“Women have been leading and succeeding in all fields related to science and engineering. It’s something we started a decade back,” said Lamia Al Marzooqi, 25, an Emirati from Abu Dhabi.
I always say to young women, if you have a passion in designing, or engineering, or building, go for it. There is no limit
She works as a development engineer for Halcon, a manufacturer of precision-guided systems in air defence.
"I am surrounded by men and women," she told The National on International Women in Engineering Day.
The event, which falls each year on June 23, aims to honour women working in the field.
Although huge progress has been made in the past decade, things were a bit different when Mariam Al Hosani, 42, an Emirati from Khor Fakkan, embarked on her career.
Her parents initially wanted her to study medicine.
But she had harboured a desire to become an engineer since she was a child, after noticing everything around her was created by them.
“My dad wanted me to be a doctor,” said Ms Al Hosani, a specialist in quality assurance at Al Tariq, which manufactures precision-guided air munitions.
“At the time we didn’t have that major in the university where I lived. And he refused the idea that I go to a different city to study,” she said.
But her parents granted her wish and she embarked on a degree in engineering. They were happy for her and she scored good grades.
“At the time it was very rare for a female to go into this major,” Ms Al Hosani said.
“That was one of the debates with my dad. He said ‘Where are you going to work? Everyone who works there is male.’ But I told him this is what I love and this is what I am going to do.
“I always say to young women, if you have a passion in design or engineering, or building, go for it. There is no limit.”
Haya Al Nuaimi, a design engineer for Nimr, which makes armoured military vehicles, said she always had the full support of her family.
But the parents and siblings of her female engineer friends were less keen on their career choice.
Ms Nuaimi’s brother is also an engineer, as is her niece.
She credits the government for the growth in female participation in the sector.
Ms Nuaimi said she had met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, several times, and he always encouraged her and fellow students to forge ahead in their careers.
“He told us to complete our master’s degrees. He encouraged us,” she said.
Receiving support, particularly from female colleagues, is often cited by women engineers as critical in advancing in their careers.
Latifa AlKaabi, 29, a process engineer at Ammroc, which provides maintenance, repair and integrated logistics support for military and civilian aviation, said one of her female colleagues has always been supportive. It is a role she aims to take on one day, to help others.
“I think finding someone who helps and supports is important. I would like to encourage people to develop themselves and grow, personally and career-wise.”
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Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
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Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
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Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
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Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
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Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
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Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
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Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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A foster couple or family must:
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- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
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Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
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