Women Represent Majority Of UAE National Experts Program Participants
The National Experts Program (NEP) has shone a light on the increasing contribution of Emirati women across the UAE's priority sectors. Since its launch in 2019, women have made up the majority of experts developed through the program.
Across four cohorts, NEP has cultivated 86 Emirati experts, with 44 of them being women, representing a staggering 51 percent of participants. These women contribute their expertise in various fields: science, technology, healthcare, sustainability, public policy, infrastructure, marine science, culture, family services, and food systems.
NEP empowers Emirati experts through sector-focused development, executive mentorship, capstone projects aligned with national priorities, and direct engagement with senior government leaders.
"NEP strengthened my understanding of what it means to contribute as an expert," shared Taif Al Amiri, a NEP expert in the media sector. "It reinforced that expertise carries responsibility, and every opportunity to serve the UAE is an opportunity to create lasting impact."
Women from the program have actively participated in global platforms, including Professor Hoda Alkhzaimi's contributions to the United Nations, International Telecommunication Union, and World Economic Forum. Waheeda Alhadhrami has also made her mark, completing the Oxford Cultural Leaders Programme and representing the UAE in culture working groups across UNESCO and G20 platforms.
In 2025, NEP women took part in their first panel at the World Government Summit, bringing together experts from technology, sustainability, policy, and future sectors. At COP28, 12 NEP Fellows and Alumni presented speaking roles, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and national priorities.
During the Year of Sustainability 2023, NEP women joined the Sustainability Experts Network. They also actively participated at The Behavioural Exchange (BX2025), with experts from the NEP 4.0 cohort presenting eight behavioural policy solutions, including four projects led by women.
"Representing the UAE internationally carries a deep sense of responsibility," expressed Maitha Alkaabi, a NEP expert in foreign affairs. "NEP strengthened my confidence to contribute to global conversations while remaining grounded in the values and ambitions of our country."
Moreover, NEP women hold pivotal roles across institutions shaping the UAE's future. Asma Al Azri contributes to family and community policy, Aisha Harib chairs the Innovation Council at Dubai Police, Nouf Al Hamly contributes to science and advanced technology diplomacy, and Meera Al Mheiri became the first Emirati woman to serve as a Nuclear Safety Inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and the first Emirati to be an ex...