Abu Dhabi, UAE, 08 May 2025: Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) College of Engineering, in collaboration with the International Federation of Structural Concrete UAE (fib-UAE) and partners including Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Society of Engineers UAE, hosted the seventh Women in Engineering Forum 2025 on 6 May at ADU’s Main Campus. The hybrid event gathered local and international experts to empower women engineers and spotlight their role in advancing AI, sustainability, and inclusive innovation, which are core pillars of the UAE’s development agenda, COP28 outcomes, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Under the theme “Empowering Women Engineers: Navigating Challenges and Leading Sustainable Innovations in the AI Era,” the forum welcomed 300 engineers, academics, students, and industry leaders. The event was chaired by Dr. Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor at ADU and Chair of Women Engineers fib-UAE, ASCE-UAE Section President, and welcomed opening remarks by Sheikha Dr. Nahla Alqassimi, Vice President of the Board of Governance at the UAE Society of Engineers.

Keynote speeches were delivered by pioneering figures such as Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer, and Dr. Lourdes Souza, Adjunct Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. A high-level panel discussion featured the international presidents of leading engineering organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Concrete Institute, the Chartered Institute of Building, and the International Federation for Structural Concrete, The Institute of Structural Engineers along with the Vice President of the UAE Society of Engineers, reflecting the forum’s global influence and its commitment to fostering a future led by empowered women in engineering.

Sheikha Dr. Nahla Alqassimi, Vice President of the Board of Governance at the UAE Society of Engineers, said: 'It was a pleasure to join this inspiring forum, a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Through the opening session and panel on engineering societies, we emphasized how professional organizations can drive inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. Women engineers are transforming the field, and by empowering them through mentorship and opportunities, we enhance our collective ability to meet the UAE's sustainability goals, embrace AI, and promote inclusive development. The UAE Society of Engineers is committed to a future where all talented engineers, regardless of gender, have a seat at the table and the tools to lead.'

Dr. Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor at ADU, Chair of Women Engineers fib-UAE, ASCE-UAE Section President, said: “In an era of rapid technological progress, women are emerging as leaders across industries, driving innovation and shaping the future. At ADU, we recognize that empowering women in engineering is crucial not only for equity but also for fostering innovation that drives economic growth. As AI continues to redefine our industries and societies, it is imperative that women engineers lead the charge in creating smart, resilient, and inclusive solutions. By supporting initiatives like this, ADU is proud to contribute to the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-driven, gender-equal economy where technological advancement is powered by diversity and inclusivity.”

Building on the momentum of COP28 and aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and Operation 300 Billion industrial strategy, the forum addressed key themes including closing the gender gap in STEM, ethical AI integration, and leadership in sustainable engineering. Experts shared insights on AI’s impact across various sectors, including energy, wastewater treatment, finance, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.

The second edition of the ‘Empowering Women in Engineering Innovative Sustainability Poster Competition’ was also held during the event, providing ADU’s female engineering students a platform to showcase their innovative solutions in sustainability and smart technologies. The parallel exhibitions held in the university’s atrium allowed students to present their posters and models to industry leaders, providing valuable exposure and career development opportunities.

This year’s forum was sponsored by Trans Gulf Ready Mix and supported by a network of strategic and participating organizations, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Abu Dhabi Ports, Mott MacDonald, Essity Hygiene and Health and Liwa University.

Additional support came from esteemed engineering societies such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Concrete Institute, the Institute of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.