Salma Fadhel Al Qubaisi explains why it is important more Emirati women take up careers within the tech sector

Her Excellency Salma Al Qubaisi is an innovative and inspiring personality and a leader in the field of Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain.

Serving one of the largest government organizations: ADNOC, as an IT Planning & Strategy Manager, H. E. Salma Al Qubaisi, is an Innovation expert and Tech professional herself, a Prominent Emirati woman in the STEM field, and a keen investor in Tech Projects for a sustainable future.

What does it mean to you being an Emirati woman?

Just being an Emirati woman is a shield that was built by our late leader Shaikh Zayed and the flame remained and granted the respect to all Emirati women. Perusing modernization, we still carry our culture and tradition, and we take pride of it. There is no women rights or empowerment, we should think of it based on who we are not based on our gender. Islam come to put the women in equal to men and sometimes above men, and the UAE is the living example of this mission, and I am proud to be par to this journey.

How has your heritage influenced your career to date?

From my childhood my family didn’t influence my choice of discipline or university. I choose to take the major of my interest based on my passion to technology.

The cultural factors that could influence my career choice include but are not limited to religion, personal relations, family responsibilities and attitudes towards networking, is something that overcome from the way my parent raised me.

Women always had a great role in contributing to the Emirati family. From the will power I learned from my ancestors; I always want to ensure that I really add value and contribute to my country to the best I can.

Experiencing the process my father managed his business related to date packaging, from the farming, harvesting, through traditional packaging to use faster and modern packaging technology that was offered by the government. I see this is the same on my daily life as I do in my current role in the IT Planning & Strategy. In my role I don’t let the barrier of dressing, religion, believes come across my work life balance. Getting on the top of a huge vessel wearing a coverall & a pair of safety shoes has become a normal practice for me.

Was it always your ambition growing up, to pursue a career in your line of work?

I always dreamt of being a leader in the field of Innovation, Technology, Business startups. And I know I can!

In my early age I was fond of gadgets like The Sony Walkman – as a music lover owning my own walkman gave me the waw factor as I was able to listen to my music anywhere anytime. Not to forget I have obtained the first generation cellphones in my early stages of life like Motorola & Nokia, this has always inspired me to find latest technology devices and information to satisfy my hunger for technology.

Why do you think it’s important more Emirati women take up careers within your specific field?

The future is in the field of Technology was always male dominant, but the hype is showing more women in this domain. I really encourage all my fellow Emirati women to explore more and join the field of Technology, as this is the future where the world is heading.

Who have been your role models and inspirations - career mentors and perhaps in your personal life?

My father has always been my role model and mentor. Actually, who meet’s me and start a conversation with me immediately realize I am the daughter of this great man. He got me exposed to countless experiences in my life that have enlightened me, sharpened my skills & always taught me to keep a smile on my face no matter what I faced during my day.

This years theme is “inspiring reality - sustainable future”… Sheikha Fatima praised the women of the uae saying “ Emirati women have proved there is no task that is impossible, due to the hard work and innovation”, noting the country’s impressive successes in women empowerment, thanks to the support of the UAEs incredible leaders.

How do you feel about the progress made so far and what are your hopes for the future?

UAE is a leading country in all domains of life, while studying my bachelor’s degree, we had an invitation to attend the UAE Government Strategy. Which they showcased top ranked governments from around the world in different fields like health care, education, governors, municipality, etc. all came to show case their success stories & exchange their experience with us. From that forum, I realized that our leaders are tapping heavily on developing our country. Our leadership’s innovation strategy aims to position the UAE among the world's top leaders of innovation and to develop a type of thinking that encourages experimentation and taking well-thought-out risks to achieve the goals of UAE.

Lastly, do you have any advice for young Emirati women making their way in the world?

There are opportunities in all our daily experiences, grab your opportunity and leave a trail for your next generation.