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Dubai Women Establishment recently hosted Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, for the first knowledge-sharing session of the “Qudwa” initiative in 2018, which took place at the American University of Sharjah.
Her Excellency began the session by thanking Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs. HE highlighted Her Highness Sheikha Manal’s efforts to launch programmes and initiatives that develop the capabilities of Emirati women and instil values of giving within UAE society.
HE expressed her pride on being appointed as Minister of State for Advanced Sciences in the 2017 restructure of the Federal Government. HE said: “The attention and efforts devoted to this field underscore the priorities and vision of the UAE’s leadership for the future of the nation.”
HE discussed her passion for computer science and technology during her junior school years and how she pursued a career in this field, but never dreamed of assuming her current role and being given the responsibility of enhancing the contribution of advanced sciences to the development of the UAE.
During her discussion with female students at the American University of Sharjah, HE shared accounts of her experience working at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, where she started her professional journey in 2009, working as a Programmes Engineer for the DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2 projects. HE was also a member of the team that designed the development programme for KhalifaSat. HE is currently Emirates Mars Mission Deputy Project Manager and Science Lead at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and Chairperson of the UAE Council of Scientists.
When asked if her successes in the field of space science have opened doors for Emirati women to pursue opportunities in this field, HE said: “The door was always open for women to enter the scientific sector. The key was in our leaders’ encouragement of women to explore all avenues. Our country was built on foundations of equality between men and women, yet some women feel hesitant to enter more traditionally male-dominated sectors. I have always believed however, in the ability of Emirati women to succeed in any field.”
HE Sarah Al Amiri highlighted the importance of having a clear vision in order to succeed in achieving goals, regardless of the nature of the sector or position. HE said “The leaders of the UAE are working towards a clear vision and common goal, which is to be amongst the world’s leading countries across various sectors by 2021, and to be the best country in the world by 2071.” HE added that every Emirati has a role to play in achieving this goal.
Advanced Sciences Agenda
HE Sarah Al Amiri defined advanced sciences as innovations that produce solutions for current and future challenges. HE identified the top priorities on the UAE’s advanced sciences agenda as sustainable energy, water scarcity, food security and health, explaining that they all represent crucial foundations for a digital economy which is built on knowledge, science and technology. HE added that the UAE’s decisions are guided by an overarching approach to diversify the economy and foster economic development through scientific progress.
Scientific diplomacy
HE Sarah Al Amiri discussed the concept of scientific diplomacy, a new term which is interlinked with the Ministry’s agenda and programmes. HE explained that the fields of science and research are built on partnerships, highlighting the importance of knowledge-sharing between countries. HE said: “Over the years, studies have shown that promoting scientific sharing and collaboration yield significant advances in respective fields and enable governments to better serve their citizens.”
HE highlighted the importance of fostering academic partnerships between the UAE and other countries, which is in line with the priorities of the Ministry. HE said that the Ministry is developing a strategic exchange programme for UAE scholars and specialists with counterparts across countries that share the same needs and challenges. HE confirmed that the Ministry will adopt and build on international best practices for the development and implementation of the programme.
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