Emirati Women’s Day 2024 is the UAE’s paramount gender equality initiative. It was established by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in 2015, a longtime advocate of women’s rights in the region. Following the Year of Sustainability in 2023, this theme is expected to be expanded on this year.
The day is a platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the UAE’s women. Over the last five decades, they have had a profound impact across diverse sectors. Emirati women continue to be an integral part of the UAE’s growth and development.
Globally trusted infrastructure firm AECOM launched the ADVANCE Program for graduates in 2013 to help shape them into effective, well-rounded professionals. The program delivers a structured framework of learning, focused on both technical development and the building skills such as effective communication, mentoring and leadership. In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day on 28 August, AECOM profiles three exceptional women graduates making a profound impact:
Sara Khan, Graduate GIS Specialist
Sara graduated from Sorbonne University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Urban Planning. In her role at AECOM, she specialises in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support urban planning projects. This involves analysing spatial data, creating detailed maps and providing insights to design and implement effective urban development strategies. “My work contributes to making informed decisions that shape the cities of tomorrow,” comments Sara.
Joining AECOM was a natural choice for her due to its reputation as a global leader in infrastructure and urban development. Its commitment to innovation, sustainability and delivering impactful projects aligns with her own professional aspirations. “I was particularly drawn to AECOM’s diverse and collaborative work environment, which provides ample opportunities for learning and growth,” she adds.
Working in the private sector has inspired her due to its dynamic and fast-paced nature. It affords the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging projects that require creative solutions and strategic thinking.
“It allows me to directly see the impact of my work on communities and cities and provides a platform to contribute to meaningful projects that drive progress and development. The private sector’s focus on results and continuous improvement is something that motivates me to push my boundaries and excel in my field,” says Sara.
The UAE’s commitment to gender balance has significantly supported Sara’s career progression. The emphasis on creating equal opportunities for women in all sectors has empowered her to pursue her professional goals without limitations.
She sees Emirati women continuing to make significant strides and evolving as key contributors in the private sector. With increasing support from both the government and private enterprises, more Emirati women are taking on leadership roles and excelling in various fields.
They bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions and strong leadership to the table, driving progress and transformation within their organisations. “I believe Emirati women will continue to break barriers, inspire future generations and play a crucial role in shaping the UAE’s economic and social landscape,” highlights Sara.
Emirati women play a pivotal role in the UAE’s sustainability efforts by bringing fresh perspectives, innovative solutions and a strong commitment to creating a sustainable future. With their increasing presence in various industries, including environmental science, engineering, and technology, they can lead and implement sustainability projects. Emirati women can also influence policymaking and advocate for sustainable practices within their organisations and communities, assisting to achieve the UAE’s sustainability goals.
As for her future ambitions, Sara hopes to contribute to creating a knowledge-based economy where Emiratis, especially women, are at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements. “I envision a UAE where gender equality is fully realised and every individual has the opportunity to excel and contribute to the nation’s progress.”
Her advice to young Emirati women is to have confidence in themselves and their capabilities. “Follow your passions with dedication and do not shy away from new challenges. Find mentors and role models who can provide guidance. Maintain a mindset that is always open to learning and growth. Recognise the value of your contributions and understand that you have the potential to make a significant impact in your field and beyond. Stay resilient, stay focused and seize every opportunity that comes your way,” concludes Sara.
Sultanah Alshemeili, Graduate Engineer – Electrical
Sultanah graduated from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Ras Al Khaimah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. She joined AECOM in February 2024 as a Graduate Electrical Engineer specialising in dry utilities. In her current role, she focuses on designing low voltage (LV) networks, street lighting networks and telecom networks.
Her passion for the electrical engineering industry stems from a deep-seated fascination with how electrical systems power the modern world. From a young age, Sultanah was intrigued by the intricate workings of electrical devices and the infrastructure that supports them. This curiosity grew into a passion for understanding and designing electrical networks that are both efficient and sustainable.
Choosing to work in the private sector, particularly with a leading firm like AECOM, was driven by her desire to be at the forefront of innovative solutions and advanced technologies. The private sector offers dynamic opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects, fostering professional growth and providing a platform to collaborate with top-tier professionals. “It allows me to contribute to transformative projects that shape our communities, making a tangible difference in the built environment,” highlights Sultanah.
A project she is particularly proud of is designing a comprehensive LV network for District One. Sultanah played a key role in calculating voltage drops, ensuring optimal performance and adhering to strict quality assurance and quality check processes. The project not only enhanced her technical skills but allowed her to contribute to a significant infrastructure development project, showcasing her ability to manage complex engineering challenges effectively.
She adds that the UAE’s proactive policies and initiatives to promote gender equality have created an empowering environment for women in various fields, including engineering. These efforts have provided access to opportunities, resources and networks essential for career growth.
In the private sector, Emirati women are leading innovation by contributing fresh perspectives and creative solutions to complex challenges. Their presence in executive and managerial positions is growing as they build extensive professional networks locally and globally, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
“Successful Emirati women are mentoring the next generation, inspiring young women to pursue careers in the private sector and beyond,” adds Sultanah. In addition, they are advocating for policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. “With continued support and opportunities, Emirati women will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the private sector, contributing to its growth and sustainability.”
Her ambition for the UAE’s future is for it to lead the world in sustainability as a global hub for innovation and technology, diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas, investing in world-class education and human capital, achieving greater woman inclusion and strengthening its role in global leadership. “These goals will create a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for the UAE,” says Sultanah.
She says Emirati women should pursue their passions with confidence, invest in continuous learning, build strong networks, seek out mentors and maintain a balance between career and personal life. “By staying focused and proactive, they can achieve their goals and make a significant impact,” she concludes.
Meera Almarri, Graduate Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Committed to creating an inclusive environment where UAE Nationals feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential, Meera believes everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in their careers. She is dedicated to connecting talented UAE nationals with roles where they can apply their unique skills and perspectives to AECOM’s impactful work.
She was inspired to join AECOM as a Talent Acquisition Graduate due to its forward-thinking Emiratisation policy and proactive approach to develop local talent. In addition, AECOM’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the global engineering and infrastructure sector offered a dynamic environment where she could contribute to meaningful projects while advancing her HR career.
One of Meera’s proudest achievements at AECOM has been leading the effort to meet its Emiratisation goals. Achieving this in a short timeframe required strategic planning and dedication. “It has been incredibly rewarding to see our efforts come to fruition,” she adds.
Meera has also led the development and implementation of initiatives to support and empower Emirati nationals, bringing a strong vision to these efforts so they align with AECOM’s broader goals. AECOM has even adopted her proposal for an employee resource group compromising UAE nationals, focusing specifically on the unique cultural, professional and personal development needs of Emirati employees. This platform aims for Emirati employees to come together, share experiences and champion their interests across the company. From networking events to cultural celebrations, workshops and tailored professional development initiatives, these collective aims support and uplift AECOM’s UAE national talent.
The UAE’s commitment to gender equality has been crucial in Meera’s career progression. This national commitment has not only opened doors for her, but also inspired her to contribute to empowering other Emirati women. She adds it is a perfect alignment between the UAE’s Emiratisation goals and AECOM’s company values.
The future is bright for Emirati women in the private sector as they take on increasingly prominent roles and crossing barriers in traditionally male-dominated areas like engineering. Meanwhile, their entrepreneurial spirit will create innovation in key areas like sustainability.
“Emirati women are essential partners in achieving the UAE’s sustainability goals,” highlights Meera. They offer a unique blend of skills, perspectives and leadership qualities that can drive meaningful change. Women are increasingly taking the lead in STEM fields, developing innovative solutions for renewable energy, water conservation and waste management.
“As educators and community leaders, they are raising awareness about sustainability and inspiring future generations to protect their environment. By embracing their potential and empowering them to lead, the UAE can accelerate its progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” says Meera.
“To all the aspirational Emirati women out there, my advice is to dream big, believe in yourself and never be afraid to pursue your passions. You are capable of achieving incredible things. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise,” concludes Meera.
Emirati Women’s Day 2024 is a platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the UAE’s women. Over the last five decades, they have had a profound impact across diverse sectors. Emirati women continue to be an integral part of the UAE’s growth and development.
AECOM encourages its Emirati women graduates to take ownership of their career development. The most impactful learning are the skills and knowledge developed on the job or learning by doing. The ADVANCE Program gives guidance on the professional and technical competencies required by Emirati women graduates to be successful and drive their careers.