{
  "id": 3908273,
  "title": "Emirati scientist shaping Abu Dhabi's environment and changing the landscape for women",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/emirati-scientist-shaping-abu-dhabis-environment-and-changing-the-3908273",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-28T05:56:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/08/28/emirati-scientist-shaping-abu-dhabis-environment-and-changing-the-landscape-for-women/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Emirati scientist Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, who began her career as one of only a handful of women working in environmental research in Abu Dhabi, has risen to the position of Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Dr Al Dhaheri's journey from being the only woman on early expeditions through the desert, coastline, and wetlands of the UAE to leading the agency represents the progress made for women in the country. Born into a farming family in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaheri developed an early interest in plants and nature. She initially pursued civil engineering at UAE University before switching to agricultural science. However, it was her exposure to the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency that sparked her passion for environmental science. Despite facing cultural resistance against female field scientists, Al Dhaheri persevered, supported by her family and leadership. Her dedication led her to collect water samples, map coastlines, and explore remote areas, gaining invaluable experience from experienced expatriate researchers. Al Dhaheri credits the vision of UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and her namesake, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, for enabling her opportunities. Sheikh Zayed's environmental vision, which included mangrove planting and restoration efforts, laid the groundwork for the UAE's environmental initiatives. Al Dhaheri recognizes the significant role played by both Sheikha Fatima and Sheikh Zayed in shaping women's roles in the nation. Today, Emirati women are fortunate to have had the unwavering support of their predecessors, paving the way for future generations to continue advancing the country's environmental goals.",
  "summary": "At the age of 22, Emirati scientist Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri was told that perhaps her place was no longer in the field. It was the year 2000 and at that time, she was often the only woman on expeditions that took her deep into Abu Dhabi’s desert, along its coastline and into wetlands that scientists were only beginning to fully document. The work meant leaving at sunrise, crossing dunes in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Emirati scientist shaping Abu Dhabi's environment and changing the landscape for women",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/emirati-scientist-shaping-abu-dhabis-environment-and-changing-the",
        "published": "2026-08-28T05:56:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}