SAP Business Women’s Network and SAP Youth Council, in collaboration with Dubai Internet City, have brought together senior women leaders to discuss how more women can build and advance their careers in technology.

Held at Dubai Internet City under the theme “Intelligent Leadership – Women Driving AI, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Innovation,” the event combined an executive panel on the impact of AI and technology on the UAE’s future with an interactive Youth Circle. 

The programme was designed to connect the experience of established women leaders with the perspectives and ambitions of younger Emiratis entering a rapidly changing workplace.

Skills, exposure and support

“Emirati women have already demonstrated what they can achieve across government, business, science and technology. As AI changes the way we work, we need to ensure women have the skills, exposure and support to take advantage of the opportunities it creates,” said Sarah Alzaabi, Director General at Ras Al Khaimah Government, who delivered the keynote address and participated on the executive panel. 

“That starts with young women being able to develop relevant skills, meet role models and see clear pathways into emerging fields. Their participation and progression will be important to the UAE’s continued economic development.”

The event forms part of this year’s extended Emirati Women’s Day celebrations. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, announced that the 2026 celebration would run for a full month starting on August 28. 

The theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” focuses on building on the achievements of Emirati women and continuing their contribution to the UAE’s development.

Vital contributions

“Since the founding of the Union, Emirati women have helped shape the UAE’s progress and have made vital contributions across all sectors, including technology and entrepreneurship,” said Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at Tecom Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City. 

“As AI and technology continue to reshape industries, creating opportunities for Emirati women to develop their skills, build networks and progress in their careers is increasingly important. Dubai Internet City provides a sector-focused ecosystem where businesses, talent and innovators can connect and exchange knowledge, and we are proud to support initiatives, such as this, that help create pathways for the next generation of Emirati women in technology.”

SAP’s contribution to that shared ambition includes helping women and young people develop the skills and experience required as AI changes businesses and jobs. The SAP Business Women’s Network provides a community for women and allies that supports women’s development and advancement, while the SAP Youth Council provides a platform for younger employees to connect, learn and take an active role in initiatives such as the Emirati Women’s Day event. Bringing the two groups together also reflects the event’s emphasis on both women’s leadership today and the development of the next generation.

First-hand experience

Mouza AlMansoori, an Emirati AI Advisor at SAP who also serves as President of the SAP Youth Council, moderated the executive panel and brought first-hand experience of both areas to the discussion.

“Technology is a field where young Emirati women should be able to see a future for themselves, particularly now that AI is creating new roles and changing existing ones,” said AlMansoori. 

“Working in AI, I see how important it is to have the opportunity to learn, gain practical experience and hear from people who have already built successful careers. Bringing senior women leaders and young Emiratis into the same conversation gives us a chance to learn from each other and consider how we can increase women’s participation as technology continues to evolve.”

AlMansoori added that the event was one part of SAP’s broader efforts to help build a skilled and sustainable Emirati workforce. Beyond creating opportunities for dialogue, networking and mentorship, SAP supports technology skills development across universities, early careers and the existing workforce. Its Young Professionals Programme has trained cohorts of Emirati talent for more than a decade, with women accounting for more than 80% of recent Emirati graduates reported in 2024. SAP University Alliances works with universities to give students exposure to enterprise technology and career opportunities.

Rapid changes

One of the panelists at the event, Dr Amina Abdulrahim, Executive Director of ICT and IT Security at American University of Sharjah, highlighted the need to prepare the next generation for a workplace in which both technology and the skills required to succeed are changing rapidly. 

“As educators and employers, we need to create environments where young Emiratis have the opportunity to learn, contribute and prove themselves. The skills landscape is also changing. We are moving beyond the traditional degree toward continuous learning through micro-credentials. Curiosity, adaptability and empathy will be important for the next generation of technology leaders, particularly in an AI-driven workplace.”

The SAP event’s Youth Circle used a World Café format to encourage young Emiratis to discuss the changing world of work, the skills they will need and their own role in the UAE’s technology-led economy.—TradeArabia News Service