The European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, together with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Ras Al Khaimah, has held a Career Talk centred on women’s participation in artificial intelligence, aiming to inspire female students to pursue technical careers and future leadership roles in the AI sector.
The session, titled “Women in Artificial Intelligence”, brought attention to the global gender imbalance in AI development. Less than one in four people involved in designing AI systems worldwide are women, a disparity highlighted during the event as an ongoing barrier to inclusive innovation and balanced decision-making in emerging technologies.
Speakers discussed the increasingly cross-sectoral role of artificial intelligence, pointing to its rapid integration across industries including healthcare, finance, education, and security. Attendees were also briefed on the risks of embedding bias in AI systems and the need to combat misinformation, with panellists stressing the importance of ethics-driven, human-centred AI that can support trust and fairness in digital transformation.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr Hassan Al Mheiri, Executive Director of HCT’s Ras Al Khaimah campus, who emphasised the UAE’s national ambition to scale AI capabilities and the vital role women will play in meeting that goal.
“By 2031, the UAE aims to be among the world’s leading nations in AI. Emirati women are the changemakers who will make that vision a reality — who will ensure that artificial intelligence amplifies human potential rather than replaces human wisdom.
The future of AI will be shaped by those bold enough to claim their place in it. At HCT, we nurture curiosity and confidence in our students, empowering them to become innovators and changemakers who shape how technology serves society,” he told attendees.
Representatives also pointed to ongoing European programmes designed to increase digital participation among women and girls. Across Europe, public institutions are investing in digital-skills training, channeling capital towards women-led AI ventures, and developing policy frameworks geared towards ethical and inclusive tech ecosystems.
The event also spotlighted recent strides made in the UAE to support women in STEM and emerging technology leadership. Speakers described the country as a regional example in elevating female voices in innovation, adding that expanded opportunities for technical education and entrepreneurship are enabling more women to step into decision-making roles in fast-growing digital industries.
The Career Talk featured prominent figures from the European and Emirati AI and innovation community. Panellists included Ms Jessica Scopacasa, UAE-based founder of Olive Gaea; Dr Maysam al Abbadi, Entrepreneurship & Innovation expert active in programmes for Women in AI Middle East Region; and Dr Eva Marie Muller-Stuler, Founder and Chief AI Officer at the Hummingbird Group.
Moderation was led by Ms Fatema AlAwadi from HCT, guiding a discussion that highlighted the importance of visibility, mentorship, and long-term support structures for women entering the AI space. Speakers outlined personal experiences and professional milestones, illustrating the impact of female leadership in emerging technology.
The Ras Al Khaimah Career Talk forms part of a wider series of engagement programmes led by the EU Delegation to the UAE. These initiatives aim to advance cooperation across science, technology, and innovation, with a specific focus on empowering women to play leading roles in shaping the AI economy.
The EU delegation said efforts to continue dialogue and educational outreach will remain a priority as both Europe and the UAE expand AI-driven development and seek to ensure equal participation in the next phase of technological progress.
