One of the leading figures in the Arab technology world, and a regular speaker at international conferences, for more than 20 years Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr has been on the cutting-edge of ICT development for the public sector in the United Arab Emirates.
As the director general of the Smart Dubai Office, she is now helping turn Dubai into a recognized benchmark for smart cities around the world.
How do you think technology has improved the lives of women in Dubai and the UAE?
Not only in Dubai but in the Gulf states in particular, and across the Middle East and North Africa in general, technology has empowered women. It has given them a voice and helped them contribute not only to their families but also to the economic development of their countries. Using platforms like blogs, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, women have been able to start their own businesses and promote their knowledge and ideas. Technology is one of the biggest gifts that women have received. It has changed their lives dramatically.
What role do women play in the government and public sector of the UAE?
Many people are surprised when they find out that in the UAE women account for almost 66% of government-sector workers. There are eight female ministers, representing one third of the seats in the cabinet. The Federal National Council is chaired by a woman and 20% of the council are women. The target is to achieve 50%.
There is also a high level of female participation in education, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In the UAE, 56% of STEM graduates are women, a much higher level than in many western countries.
“Technology is one of the biggest gifts that women have received.”
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr,DG, Smart Dubai
What do you think are the advantages of being a woman in the smart-city space?
Women see things from a wider perspective, while at the same time pay attention to the details. When you work with developers and in the technology field, it is easy to forget that people are human beings who get sick, feel happy and are sometimes in a bad mood. I tell my colleagues not to forget that at the end of the day we are human. We are not robots. That is also what makes Smart Dubai’s vision different: Our vision is not about implementing technology. It is about how to serve people. We embed happiness at every layer of our smart city strategy.
As a recognized role model for women in tech, what is your advice for other Arab women in the sector?
When I look back and think about the values that pushed me forward and sustained my growth, I think above all my sense of curiosity has been most important. Having this urge to learn is what pushes you to your next level. Then the desire to overcome challenges is what keeps you going. So, I would encourage every woman to stand up, define her own future, overcome all her challenges and not allow anyone to come and tell her what to be in the future.
No matter what your background or challenges, you can implement your dreams if you believe in them. No woman should allow others to define her future
As published in TIME magazine
