News

2024-08-08

Trailblazers of Innovation ..Celebrating Emirati women’s pioneering roles in engineering and technology

In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, Nation Shield speaks to Hasnaa Al Abdouli, Electrical Communication Engineer at HALCON, and Basmah Al Zeyoudi, Innovation Manager at EDGE Group’s Learning and Innovation Factory. These accomplished professionals share their inspiring career journeys and contributions to their respective fields.

Their stories highlight the remarkable strides Emirati women have made in engineering and innovation and their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Excerpts:

Can you share about your career journey and how long you have been with your current company?

Al Abdouli: I joined HALCON, a regional leader in the design and production of precision-guided systems and an entity of EDGE Group, in 2021 as a development engineer in their Electronic Department. The following year, I transferred to the Platform Integration Department. I work on the overall communication system between a platform, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a payload.

During my short time at HALCON, I have had the opportunity to continuously develop my skills. In 2022, I completed courses on acquisition management and system engineering, electronics and electrical systems, and achieved an IPC Specialist certification. In 2023, I completed a MIL-1760 training course on the standardised electrical interface between military aircraft and payloads. My passion is in electrical communication engineering, and it is extremely rewarding to develop technology that makes platforms and their payloads safer and more secure.

Al Zeyoudi: Over the course of my 13-year career, I have held positions in human resources, strategy management, and business excellence. However, my true passion is innovation management, which led me to obtain my Master’s Degree in that field. I have been an Innovation Manager at EDGE Group’s Learning and Innovation Factory for over a year, which has been incredibly rewarding. I encourage and promote innovation within the organisation by fostering an innovative culture, establishing processes for idea generation and implementation, and enabling cross-functional collaboration.

How have you contributed to your company’s success and growth, and what valuable experiences have you gained from your time there?

Al Abdouli: At HALCON, we are rapidly developing capabilities that are critical for a robust defence industry, and my work plays a significant role in fielding advanced technologies. As a regional first, I conceptualised a turbojet engine control unit, including its hardware and software. I also developed a unique and resilient RPM sensor for testing engines in the desert’s challenging environment.

Beyond my role as an engineer, I am the Chair of the Missiles & Weapons Women’s Council at EDGE Group. Our work as a council is primarily involved in championing the interests and development of women within the Missiles & Weapons Cluster and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Personally, it has been an invaluable experience as we launch initiatives, programmes, and events to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

Al Zeyoudi: My department’s work in building a supportive culture of innovation enables processes and systems that yield positive results in organisational performance. I am also learning a lot about the defence sector, specifically industrial manufacturing of advanced technologies. It is important to remember that EDGE Group is rapidly developing a highly competitive and sovereign defence industry. What makes my department’s work so important is that we provide vital support to the employees who develop those innovations.

The National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women for 2023-2031 aims to enhance women’s participation in various fields. How do you see this strategy impacting women’s roles, and what do you hope to achieve in the future, both personally and professionally, for the country?

Al Abdouli: What people may not realise is that in the UAE, men and women are now working in the same roles. Our leadership in the UAE has made incredible strides to achieve this, and the way I see it, gender is no longer a consideration for almost every job in this country. I also believe that our work at the Missiles & Weapons Women’s Council directly aligns with this national strategy. We provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth and development. And, in the interest of gender equality, our work extends to supporting all employees, not just women.

I am still determining what the future holds in terms of what I hope to achieve. I am eager to continue the important work we do at HALCON and I look forward to leaving a legacy that enables advanced capabilities within the UAE’s defence industry.

Al Zeyoudi: The UAE provides “equality of opportunity”, meaning people can pursue their passions and careers without gender-based barriers. It is incredible to see women holding positions as ministers, pilots, and engineers. Indeed, having such diversity and inclusion in the workforce is a blessing.

In terms of what I want to achieve for my country, my line of work directly relates to ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of innovation. My contributions as an innovation manager and a working woman form part of a larger effort to transform the UAE into a hub of innovation while showcasing our country’s incredible talent and potential.

The UAE is ranked 11th globally in the UNDP 2022 Gender Inequality Index and has one of the highest rates of women in leadership roles. How do you view this progress, and what more can be done?

Al Abdouli: The UAE has made significant progress in achieving gender equality across all sectors and roles. The most important point here is that this progress continues and that we, as a collective, continue to embrace this positive change.

Al Zeyoudi: We now have 30 per cent of women in leadership roles. In the future, women will have even more privileges and continue to impact our society significantly. Seeing such progress and support for women in leadership roles is inspiring.

Emirati women play various roles, from leaders to mothers. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

Al Abdouli: As a mother of four, I admire the challenge. It is critical to find the balance between work and personal life, and as simple as it may sound, I keep a to-do list and prioritise accordingly. I have work and personal KPIs, such as, “Do I know what my children are up to?” and “Is their health in check?”

However, life is not without its trials. Naturally, my line of work involves a lot of field tests in remote and extremely hot areas, which is tough for a few reasons. What keeps me going in those tough moments is how proud my children are of me. They see how hard it is as an engineer in this field, and knowing that I am setting such an example is all the motivation I need.

Al Zeyoudi: Balancing my professional and personal life is a journey of love and dedication. As an Emirati woman, I find strength in my passion for both roles. Prioritising, staying organised, and leaning on my support system are the main tools that help me achieve balance. However, my love for my family and work ultimately fuels me to excel in both.

I am inspired by the legacy of strong Emirati women who have come before me. They have shown that with determination and heart, we can achieve greatness in all aspects of life. Whether leading in the boardroom or at home, it is the balance that defines our unique contribution to society.

Looking ahead, what message would you like to give Emirati women aspiring to achieve greatness in their careers?

Al Abdouli: The best part about the UAE’s major progress in gender equality is that women are not restricted to certain sectors or industries. What you need to consider is, “What do you do to be grateful?” In my experience, our leadership takes care of how you can achieve that greatness. We are provided tremendous opportunities as Emirati women, and we must take advantage of them.

Al Zeyoudi: To all Emirati women aspiring to achieve greatness in their careers, I would say, “Believe in your strength and capabilities. Embrace every opportunity with confidence and passion. Remember that balancing your personal and professional life is not only possible but rewarding. Your dedication and resilience will pave the way for future generations. Keep pushing boundaries and shining brightly, and your journey inspires us all.”.

Comments () Views (5658 ) Print

Send To Friend