{"id":930404,"date":"2026-08-29T06:14:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T11:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/29\/emirati-womens-day-building-the-future-of-autonomous-mobility\/"},"modified":"2026-08-29T06:14:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T11:14:54","slug":"emirati-womens-day-building-the-future-of-autonomous-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/29\/emirati-womens-day-building-the-future-of-autonomous-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"Emirati Women\u2019s Day: Building the future of autonomous mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"content-header\">\n<h2>From the garage to the forefront of AI-driven racing, Emirati women are helping shape the next generation of engineering and autonomous technology<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-center\">\n<ul>\n<li><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i><\/li>\n<li><i data-icon=\"2\"><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"contributors-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Andrea-Benito-Arauzo-140x180.jpg\" alt=\"Andrea Benito \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/contributor\/Andrea-Benito\">Andrea Benito ,<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Computer Weekly<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n\tPublished: <span>28 Aug 2026<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section id=\"content-body\">\n<p>As the UAE marks Emirati Women\u2019s Day 2026 under the theme \u201cWe Emerge Stronger and Better\u201d, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the growing role of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Across the country, Emirati women are increasingly contributing to advanced industries, from artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace to robotics and autonomous mobility.<\/p>\n<p>One example is Amna AlMarzooqi, race car mechanic at the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366634520\/Inside-the-Middle-East-tech-ambition-How-A2RL-is-shaping-the-future-of-AI-driven-mobility\" rel=\"noopener\">Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)<\/a>, where she works at the intersection of traditional engineering and cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology. Her role shows how the UAE\u2019s investment in innovation is creating new pathways for women to enter highly technical fields that were once largely male-dominated.<\/p>\n<p>For AlMarzooqi, one of the most exciting aspects of working in autonomous motorsport is witnessing how multiple disciplines come together to make advanced technologies function reliably in the real world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat excites me most is seeing how intelligence and engineering have to work together,\u201d she says. \u201cThe AI can only make good decisions if the sensors, electrical systems and mechanical components supporting it perform reliably.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That challenge has become even more apparent as A2RL prepares for its first international race at Italy\u2019s Imola circuit. Unlike Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Imola presents narrower racing lines, elevation changes and significantly less margin for error, creating a new testing ground for autonomous systems.<\/p>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Race circuits are the ultimate testbed\">\n<h2><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i>Race circuits are the ultimate testbed<\/h2>\n<p>While autonomous racing may appear niche, the technologies being developed have implications far beyond motorsport. Advances in sensor fusion, autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making could eventually support sectors such as public transport, logistics, infrastructure management and emergency response.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRacing gives us an unusually demanding environment in which to expose weaknesses and understand how autonomous systems behave under pressure,\u201d says AlMarzooqi. \u201cThat is where technology becomes most interesting: when an advanced idea has to prove that it can work reliably in the physical world.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Amna-AlMarzooqi-racecar-mechanic-A2RL-PR-140x180px.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Amna AlMarzooqi, racecar mechanic at the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)\">\n  <\/p>\n<p><span><strong><span>\u201cRacing gives us an unusually demanding environment in which to expose weaknesses and understand how autonomous systems behave under pressure\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span>Amna AlMarzooqi, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Reliability remains one of the biggest technical challenges facing teams in autonomous racing. High temperatures, constant vibration and repeated high-speed operation place considerable strain on sensors, wiring, connectors and mechanical systems. Even seemingly minor faults can have significant consequences when autonomous software relies on accurate data and precise vehicle responses.<\/p>\n<p>Although the cars drive themselves, much of AlMarzooqi\u2019s work remains rooted in traditional engineering disciplines. Her responsibilities include inspecting, diagnosing, repairing and validating systems before vehicles return to the track.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy aviation background taught me to approach faults systematically and never compromise on safety,\u201d she says. \u201cMotorsport demands the same discipline, but at a much faster pace.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Engineering requires preparation, accuracy and reliability\">\n<h2><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i>Engineering requires preparation, accuracy and reliability<\/h2>\n<p>As engineering continues to evolve, AlMarzooqi believes perceptions surrounding women in technical careers are changing as well. More women are now pursuing long-term careers in engineering and taking on substantive technical responsibilities across industries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the garage, nobody is thinking about whether a role has traditionally been held by a man or a woman,\u201d she says. \u201cWhat matters is preparation, accuracy and whether the team can rely on you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, she believes more can still be done to encourage young women to enter the profession. Early exposure to engineering through workshops, internships, laboratories and hands-on projects can help students understand what engineering careers actually involve and build confidence in their abilities.<\/p>\n<p>Initiatives such as ATRC\u2019s Talent Enablement Team programmes and the A2RL STEM Competition are helping bridge that gap by allowing students to apply technical knowledge to practical challenges. These efforts build on a broader national commitment to education and opportunity championed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, whose longstanding support for women\u2019s advancement has played a significant role in expanding opportunities for Emirati women.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Building on innovation\">\n<h2><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i>Building on innovation<\/h2>\n<p>Working on autonomous vehicle technology has also shaped AlMarzooqi\u2019s perspective on innovation itself. Rather than viewing innovation as a single breakthrough moment, she sees it as the result of countless improvements across interconnected systems.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAn autonomous race car brings together mechanical engineering, electronics, sensors, computing and software,\u201d she says. \u201cImproving one area can affect another, so you have to understand the problem as part of a wider system.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This systems-based mindset also influences how teams respond when something goes wrong. Solving a problem is only the first step; understanding why it happened and preventing it from recurring is what ultimately drives progress.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, AlMarzooqi expects future mobility advances to come not from a single transformative technology but from the convergence of several innovations. More sophisticated perception systems, increasingly powerful onboard computing and advanced AI decision-making capabilities are likely to play a central role in the evolution of autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>Simulation technology is also becoming increasingly important. High-fidelity digital environments allow teams to test complex racing scenarios repeatedly and safely before validating results in the physical world. Combining large-scale simulation with real-world testing is accelerating development and helping engineers better understand how autonomous systems perform under pressure.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<div>\n<figure>\n    You do not need to know exactly where engineering will take you. Sometimes having the confidence to take the first opportunity is what allows you to discover the career you were meant to build<br \/>\n   <\/figure><figcaption>\n    <strong>Amna AlMarzooqi, A2RL<\/strong><br \/>\n   <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/section>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Embrace unexpected opportunities\">\n<h2><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i>Embrace unexpected opportunities<\/h2>\n<p>For young Emirati women considering careers in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366640014\/Cyber-industry-welcomes-women-but-challenges-persist\">STEM<\/a>, AlMarzooqi\u2019s message is straightforward: stay curious, build strong technical foundations and remain open to unexpected opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI studied aviation maintenance engineering and never imagined that those skills would eventually take me into autonomous motorsport,\u201d she says. \u201cWhat mattered was building a strong technical foundation, staying curious and being willing to take opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her own journey reflects the expanding opportunities available to Emirati women in advanced technology sectors. As the UAE continues investing in innovation, research and talent development, women are increasingly contributing to the technologies that will shape the future of mobility and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou do not need to know exactly where engineering will take you,\u201d says AlMarzooqi. \u201cSometimes having the confidence to take the first opportunity is what allows you to discover the career you were meant to build.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"DigDeeperSplash\">\n<h4>\n\t\t\t<i data-icon=\"m\"><\/i>Read more on Diversity in IT<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366645733\/Interview-Dan-Cherowbrier-CTO-Formula-E\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Interview: Dan Cherowbrier, CTO, Formula E<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Mark-Samuels-60px.jpg\" alt=\"MarkSamuels\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Mark\u00a0Samuels<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366637710\/GSMA-transforms-Formula-E-circuit-into-5G-testbed\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/LeMagIT\/hero_article\/FormulaE.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>GSMA transforms Formula E circuit into 5G testbed<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Joe-OHalloran-2022-140x180px.jpg\" alt=\"JoeO\u2019Halloran\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Joe\u00a0O\u2019Halloran<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366634520\/Inside-the-Middle-East-tech-ambition-How-A2RL-is-shaping-the-future-of-AI-driven-mobility\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/HeroImages\/Middle-East-A2RL-celebrations-PR-hero_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/HeroImages\/Middle-East-A2RL-celebrations-PR-hero_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/HeroImages\/Middle-East-A2RL-celebrations-PR-hero.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Inside the Middle East tech ambition: How A2RL is shaping the future of AI-driven mobility<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Andrea-Benito-Arauzo-140x180.jpg\" alt=\"AndreaBenito \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Andrea\u00a0Benito <\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/366634346\/Abu-Dhabi-accelerates-autonomous-mobility-push-with-29-commercial-partnerships\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero Images\/motorsports-racing-F1-grand-prix-1-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/motorsports-racing-F1-grand-prix-1-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/motorsports-racing-F1-grand-prix-1-adobe.jpeg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Abu Dhabi accelerates autonomous mobility push with 29 commercial partnerships<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Andrea-Benito-Arauzo-140x180.jpg\" alt=\"AndreaBenito \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Andrea\u00a0Benito <\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/feature\/Emirati-Womens-Day-Building-the-future-of-autonomous-mobility\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><br \/>\n Elroy Catt<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the garage to the forefront of AI-driven racing, Emirati women are helping shape the next generation of engineering and autonomous technology By Andrea Benito , Computer Weekly Published: 28 Aug 2026 As the UAE marks Emirati Women\u2019s Day 2026 under the theme \u201cWe Emerge Stronger and Better\u201d, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":930405,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95159,46,22131],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-930404","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-emirati","category-technology","category-womens"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/930404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=930404"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/930404\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/930405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=930404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=930404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=930404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}