Introduced in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, Emirati Women’s Day, observed on August 28, celebrates the contributions, ambitions, and accomplishments of Emirati women across various sectors. This year, special recognition is being given to Emirati women at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), where they are excelling in fields such as natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, playing a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s technology sector.
Currently, 34 Emirati women are among the 381 students at MBZUAI, representing a diverse community from 49 countries. Here are five notable Emirati women from MBZUAI who are making significant impacts in their fields and inspiring others in the UAE and beyond.
1. Fatima AlKhoori, Ph.D. Student in Machine Learning
Fatima AlKhoori, a Ph.D. candidate at MBZUAI, is conducting research on transformer model architecture to improve the accuracy of autonomous vehicle traffic sign recognition. Her work aims to enhance the safety of self-driving vehicles by developing algorithms that better interpret traffic signs in varying conditions. AlKhoori has previously worked as an R&D expert for Etihad Rail and holds a master’s degree in sustainable critical infrastructure from Khalifa University. She is committed to applying AI and machine learning to address transportation and infrastructure challenges in the UAE.
2. Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki, Assistant Professor of Natural Language Processing
Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki, an assistant professor at MBZUAI, specializes in Arabic speech and language processing, including speech recognition and synthesis. Her research focuses on adapting AI models for low-resource languages and dialects, with a particular emphasis on the diversity of Emirati dialects and speech disorders. Dr. Aldarmaki also works on sign language processing and represents MBZUAI on the steering committee for the UAE Graduate Students Research Conference, fostering academic collaboration and networking among graduate students.
3. Maha Alblooki, Master’s Student in Natural Language Processing
Maha Alblooki is developing a large language model (LLM) to preserve the cultural heritage of Arabic proverbs, specifically focusing on Emirati proverbs. Her research involves fine-tuning BERT models for the Arabic language to improve tasks such as sentiment analysis and machine translation. Alblooki is also pioneering Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for Arabic text, using deep learning techniques to enhance digitization and preservation of Arabic documents, addressing the script’s unique challenges.
4. Maitha Alshehhi, Master’s Student in Machine Learning
Maitha Alshehhi is focused on advancing ethical AI innovation at MBZUAI. Her research aims to develop systems that leverage data for enhanced context, making AI more reliable and adaptable. Alshehhi’s work aligns with the UAE’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible and sustainable AI development. Recognized as a top innovator at G42 Cloud in 2023, she is committed to promoting transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in AI, inspiring the next generation to use AI with integrity.
5. Wafa Alghallabi, Ph.D. Student in Machine Learning
Wafa Alghallabi, an alumna of MBZUAI with a master’s degree in machine learning, is now pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on AI applications in medical imaging. Her research aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Alghallabi co-founded a startup that won first place at the MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) Pitch Day, reflecting her commitment to integrating AI solutions in healthcare and contributing to the UAE’s vision of empowering women in leadership roles.
These women exemplify the spirit of Emirati Women’s Day, demonstrating the significant roles Emirati women are playing in advancing AI and contributing to the UAE’s technological and societal progress.
