UAE's National Experts Program Sees 51% Women Participation

The UAE’s National Experts Program (NEP) has highlighted the growing influence of Emirati women in leadership, science, technology, healthcare, sustainability, public policy and other strategic areas, as women make up over 50% of the experts cultivated by the program since its inception in 2019. NEP has trained 86 Emirati experts, of which 51 or 44 percent are women, across four cohorts. Now these women are playing their part in shaping UAE's development as government leaders, scientists, engineers, academics, advisors and CEOs, as women professionals' roles are swiftly growing to play a key role in national priorities.

Emirati Women's Day was observed to highlight the status and advancement of women empowerment and female leadership in the UAE. Women remained well represented in all four cohorts and are participating in every government department, institution of learning, research body and private sector.

Key Highlights

• Women represent 51 percent of experts developed through NEP
• 44 Emirati women have completed the program across four cohorts
• Women experts contribute across strategic sectors shaping UAE’s future

NEP develops national expertise through sector-focused development, executive mentorship, capstone projects connected to national priorities and engagement with senior government leaders. Women experts have subsequently participated in international platforms and taken leadership positions across sectors including advanced sciences, culture, foreign affairs, sustainability and technology.

Taif Al Amiri, an NEP expert representing the media sector, said the program strengthened her understanding of the responsibility that comes with expertise. “Expertise carries responsibility, and every opportunity to serve the UAE is an opportunity to create lasting impact,” she said.

Professor Hoda Alkhzaimi has contributed to global discussions spanning advanced science and technology, innovation, investment and the knowledge economy, including engagements with the United Nations, International Telecommunication Union and World Economic Forum.

Waheeda Alhadhrami recently completed the Oxford Cultural Leaders Program and has represented the UAE in cultural working groups involving UNESCO and G20 platforms. In March 2025, women experts from NEP participated in the program’s first panel at the World Government Summit, discussing technology, sustainability, policy and future sectors.

Women experts also had a presence during COP28, with 12 NEP Fellows and alumni speaking. In 2023, the UAE Year of Sustainability saw the recruitment of women experts to join the Sustainability Experts Network, where they engage with the public and participate in national sustainability efforts. At The Behavioural Exchange 2025, four of eight behavioural policy projects presented by NEP 4.0 experts were led by women.

Maitha Alkaabi, an NEP expert representing the foreign affairs sector, said representing the UAE internationally comes with a strong sense of responsibility. “NEP strengthened my confidence to contribute to global conversations while remaining grounded in the values and ambitions of our country,” she said.

Other women experts are making their mark across national institutions. H.E. Asma Al Azri has emerged as a prominent voice in family and community policy, while Aisha Harib leads innovation at Dubai Police as Chairwoman of its Innovation Council. Nouf Al Hamly contributes to science and advanced technology diplomacy.

Meera Al Mheiri was the first Emirati woman to join the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation as a Nuclear Safety Inspector, and the first Emirati safety culture expert contracted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Meanwhile, Maryam Al Falasi has created a system that leverages excess food to benefit those in need, amounting to over five million meals since 2023.

NEP is looking towards future growth areas with the introduction of a new track in Artificial Intelligence with 32 Emirati experts comprising 12 females. The expansion reflects the increasing participation of Emirati women in emerging technologies and the UAE’s broader focus on developing women leaders for the future.

Dr. Asma Fikri, an NEP expert representing advanced sciences and the future economy, said: “The opportunity before us is to continue strengthening expertise, supporting one another, and preparing the next generation of Emirati women to contribute to the UAE’s future.”