Emirati Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the vision, resilience, and leadership of women across the UAE. This year’s theme – leadership, legacy and progress – resonates strongly with those charting new paths in fields once considered far from traditional. Among them is Amna Almarzooqi, a race car mechanic at A2RL and a contributor to ASPIRE’s pioneering work in advanced technology and global innovation challenges. Her story reflects not just personal determination, but also the collective journey of Emirati women embracing the future of science and technology.
by Kasun Illankoon, Editor in Chief for Tech Revolt
Breaking Barriers in Technology and AI
Amna’s career trajectory is not one you hear every day: a race car mechanic deeply engaged with cutting-edge AI and robotics through ASPIRE, the technology arm tasked with launching global competitions and challenges. Yet, it is precisely this unconventional path that illustrates the expanding horizons for Emirati women.
“Emirati women have always been catalysts for change,” Amna explains. “Through ASPIRE’s global competitions, they now have a stage to showcase their creativity and resilience.”
From autonomous racing to sustainable energy solutions, ASPIRE’s challenges are designed to address pressing global issues. These initiatives bring Emirati innovators into collaboration with world-class researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. For Amna, it is this environment of shared discovery that amplifies women’s role in shaping the future.
By stepping into these platforms, Emirati women are not just participants—they are problem-solvers tackling challenges such as urban mobility, logistics efficiency, and climate resilience. “Encouraging more women to participate in these challenges means amplifying diverse perspectives and unlocking solutions that are not only impactful for the UAE but also relevant on a global scale,” she notes.
From Research to Real-World Transformation
One of ASPIRE’s defining features is its ability to translate complex research into practical impact. Amna has witnessed breakthroughs that stretch beyond traditional laboratories and testing grounds.
“We’ve seen breakthroughs in autonomous systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies that hold the potential to reshape industries like mobility, logistics, and clean energy,” she says.
The autonomous racing competitions, in particular, highlight how innovation in AI and robotics can find wider applications. Beyond the thrill of competition, they foster technologies that promise smarter and safer transportation systems. The UAE, already positioning itself as a testbed for advanced technologies, benefits from this dual track: pioneering innovation while contributing to global solutions.
Such initiatives also reinforce the UAE’s reputation as a hub for technological transformation. For Amna, this is not just about national pride but also about responsibility. “At ASPIRE, we are uniquely positioned to turn cutting-edge research into solutions with tangible global impact,” she reflects. “It’s a responsibility I take with pride, as it reflects the UAE’s vision to be a hub for transformative solutions.”
Mentorship and Empowerment: Building the Next Generation
For Emirati Women’s Day, reflection is as important as aspiration. Amna is deeply aware that her journey can inspire others—particularly young women eager to enter STEM fields but hesitant to take the leap.
“Mentorship, to me, is about creating opportunities and building confidence,” she says. Her approach extends beyond offering career advice. It involves connecting aspiring talents with networks, championing their achievements, and giving them visibility in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented.
By demonstrating her own success in a male-dominated industry, Amna makes a powerful statement: Emirati women are not confined by tradition but are redefining it. Her philosophy is rooted in action—mentoring, guiding, and opening doors so that others may walk through.
“It is by championing their achievements and giving them visibility that we ensure the next generation feels empowered to push boundaries in science and technology,” she adds.
Legacy and Progress
Emirati Women’s Day is not just about recognising current achievements; it is also about celebrating the legacy that has enabled today’s progress. Women in the UAE have played key roles across education, healthcare, business, and government. Now, their influence is increasingly visible in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—sectors crucial to the nation’s future.
Amna’s role highlights how this shift is both symbolic and strategic. By bridging research with real-world impact, she embodies the UAE’s commitment to innovation. Her presence in global competitions underlines the country’s vision to contribute solutions that extend far beyond its borders.
The UAE’s leadership has long prioritised female empowerment as a pillar of national progress. Initiatives like ASPIRE’s competitions reflect this ethos by ensuring that innovation is inclusive. Amna’s journey, and those of countless other Emirati women, testify to the success of this approach.
A Broader Message for Women in Tech
Globally, women remain underrepresented in AI and technology, with many citing lack of access, mentorship, or role models as barriers. In the UAE, however, the narrative is shifting. Emirati Women’s Day shines a spotlight on trailblazers like Amna, whose stories provide not just inspiration but also practical blueprints for involvement.
Her message is clear: progress in science and technology requires diverse voices and bold participation. Whether through global competitions or local mentorship, Emirati women are increasingly driving solutions that matter.
This growing presence in AI and tech also challenges perceptions—showing that leadership in innovation is not limited by gender but defined by skill, resilience, and vision.
Looking Ahead
As the UAE continues to invest in becoming a global hub for innovation, women like Amna Almarzooqi are ensuring that progress is inclusive. Their roles are not just symbolic but substantive—contributing directly to breakthroughs in fields as varied as robotics, clean energy, and advanced transportation.
“Through my own work experience, it’s crucial to exemplify that Emirati women can lead in fields traditionally dominated by men,” she says. That ethos is at the heart of Emirati Women’s Day: celebrating progress while inspiring future generations to push even further.
