Beyond the ‘firsts’: Masdar’s Zainab Al Ali on Abu Dhabi and the next generation of Emirati women

On Emirati Women's Day, the focus often shifts towards highlighting the "firsts" achieved by women. However, Zainab Al Ali, Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations at Masdar, believes the more compelling discussion lies in what lies ahead, particularly within Abu Dhabi. This forward-looking perspective comes from her experience working within Abu Dhabi's burgeoning ecosystem centered around education, innovation, clean energy, and technology.

Masdar, Abu Dhabi's clean energy company, is at the forefront of this transformation, alongside initiatives such as Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) and WiSER, both of which connect young people and women to mentorship, industry exposure, and professional networks.

Al Ali emphasizes that while it is crucial to celebrate the milestones of Emirati women, the conversation must evolve beyond merely acknowledging their achievements. Instead, it should pivot towards how these women can influence and define the future. She contends that the next stage involves empowering women to shape decisions, lead in high-growth industries, and create opportunities for others.

This transition also entails ensuring continuous support for women through mentorship, professional networks, and ongoing learning.

Abu Dhabi's investment in education and future-oriented industries is yielding tangible opportunities for young Emirati women. Al Ali observes that the city's educational system is closely aligned with national priorities and is directly translating into career pathways. Women are not only pursuing studies in science, engineering, business, and technology but are applying their knowledge in sectors crucial to the UAE's future.

At Masdar, this is evident in the presence of women across clean energy, sustainability, and innovation, as well as through platforms like Y4S and WiSER. These initiatives provide young women with exposure to industry, mentorship, hands-on experience, and access to professional networks, bridging the gap between education and the workplace.

Looking ahead, Al Ali is optimistic about the prospects for the younger generation of Emirati women. She notes their awareness of global challenges and their determination to contribute to the solution. These young Emiratis are described as curious, digitally literate, and eager to see the practical impact of their work. Particularly encouraging is the confidence demonstrated by young Emirati women, who are increasingly viewing themselves not just as participants but as leaders in the sustainability sector.

However, Al Ali cautions against the notion that uncertainty about future career paths equates to a lack of ambition. Instead, she encourages young women to see their current uncertainties as opportunities for growth and exploration.