DEWA spotlights innovation for the future at Global Women's Forum 2020

Dubai, UAE: An engaging panel discussion held between employees from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) shed light on the future of innovation in energy at the Global Women’s Forum (GWFD) 2020. The two day GWFD 2020 held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, concluded today.

Moderating the session was Marwa Al-Siyabi, Associate at Squire Patton Boggs. The session’s participants from DEWA included Matar Almehairi, Chief Innovation Officer; Dr Aaesha Alnuaimi, Director of Solar Innovation Centre; Dr Hesham Ismail, senior researcher – 4IR; and Samia Almudharreb, electrical engineer and DEWA scholar. The session saw the participants share their personal achievements across solar innovation, R&D and the fourth industrial revolution, whilst also examining how they work towards the advancement of women on a daily basis.

During the discussion, Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi underscored the importance of passion, dedication and self-confidence, on her path to helping her achieve her goals – in addition to key support from those around her. “I’m incredibly grateful to our wise leadership, who supported us in sending us abroad to become experts in the solar field. Upon my return to the UAE, I was immensely proud to be among the first to fabricate solar cells in the country”, explained Alnuaimi.

Touching on his work to help advance women within the R&D centre at DEWA, Dr. Hesham Ismail cited the importance of making room for women within fields typically dominated by men. “My advice to all young women out there is to celebrate your failures. Even when something does not go to plan – there is so much that can be gleaned from every experience. We must celebrate and learn from these experiences to come up with even better solutions and outcomes”, explained Ismail.

Examining the role of women in innovation for the future, DEWA veteran of over 20 years Matar Almehairi shed light on the fact that countless valuable inventions that surround us today were created by women. “Within my IT department, 90% of our staff are women – and we’ve seen an immense amount of dedication from them across the board. Even with working mothers, whom we afford the flexibility to work from home, commitment, passion and ability to deliver never falters”, explained Almehairi. “Women are going to be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, representing formidable competition for all those within the sector,” he continued.

As the youngest person on the panel, Samia Almudharreb highlighted her positive experience with DEWA so far: “The management and leadership always want to put women in the spotlight – they don’t discriminate and push women forward for opportunities just as much as our male counterparts,” shared Almudharreb.

Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 was organised by Dubai Women Establishment, which is led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Building on its theme, ‘The Power of Influence’, Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 discussed how effective policies and partnerships in four key areas – Government, Economy, Society, and the Future – can further women’s positive impact for a better future.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on February 16-17, 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influence’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; as well as conducting in-depth research and facilitating the exchange of knowledge by organising global events and leading initiatives.  

© Press Release 2020