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Director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) Dr. Mahmoud Aljurf, M.D., MACP, has been awarded the Steven E. Weinberger Award for Physician Executives/Leaders by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest medical specialty organization in the US.
According to a recent KFSHRC press release, Dr. Aljurf is the first recipient from outside the United States, underscoring his global impact on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and oncology. He was honored at the ACP Convocation Ceremony held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, during ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2025.
At KFSHRC, Dr. Aljurf has played a key role in developing one of the world’s largest and most recognized hematopoietic stem cell transplantation programs, significantly improving treatment options for patients with hematologic malignancies. His leadership has helped expand access to novel transplant therapies and elevate global standards in hematology and oncology.
In addition to his clinical contributions, Dr. Aljurf is widely recognized for his research and editorial leadership. He served as the editor-in-chief of the Annals of Saudi Medicine.
He was the founding editor-in-chief of the Elsevier Journal of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy.
Currently, He serves as an editorial board member of several high-impact field-related scientific journals, including his role on the international advisory board of The Lancet Hematology. He has published nearly 500 scientific contributions in high-impact journals. He has also served as the editor of five books, primarily focused on building units and programs for cancer care and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
His contribution to bone marrow, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapy was recognized by his election as the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) president in 2023. He is the founding member and scientific director of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group, affiliated with the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/EMRO).
The release also highlighted that Dr. Aljurf was the recipient of several international awards, including the Florence A. Carter Leukemia Research Award of the American Medical Association (AMA) Education and Research Foundation, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) Annual Distinguished Service Award, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA).
The award-winning image captures nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, who lost both arms in an Israeli attack on Gaza, and is now learning to adapt to life in Qatar.
A photograph of nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a Palestinian child injured in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City in March 2024, has been named World Press Photo of the Year by the World Press Photo Foundation. The image, taken by Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times, offers a harrowing glimpse into the long-term impact of genocide on Palestinian children.
The photograph shows Mahmoud in a clinical setting in Doha, Qatar, where he was evacuated for medical care after losing one arm and suffering severe injuries to the other during an Israeli airstrike. The explosion struck after Mahmoud reportedly turned back to urge others to flee. Since undergoing treatment, he has begun to learn how to use his feet for basic tasks such as writing, playing games on his phone, and opening doors. He still requires support for daily activities such as eating and dressing. His aspiration, the photo caption notes, is simple: to receive prosthetic arms and live as any other child would.
The World Press Photo jury praised the image for its emotional weight and clarity, describing it as “a portrait that speaks to the long-term cost of war, the silences that perpetuate violence, and the role of journalism in exposing these realities.” The jury highlighted how the photo doesn’t flinch from documenting the physical toll of conflict while also humanising the statistics that often dominate war reporting.
The broader context of the photograph adds to its urgency. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), by the end of 2024, Gaza had more child amputees per capita than any other place in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that by March 2025, over 7,000 injured Palestinians had been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, while more than 11,000 critically wounded individuals remained in the Strip, awaiting transfer. Qatar, which has developed its healthcare system in recent years, played a central role in facilitating these evacuations, alongside Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.
The winning photo forms part of the annual World Press Photo Contest, which celebrates outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography from around the globe. Two other Arab photojournalists were recognised during the World Press Photo Contest: Palestinian photojournalist Ali Jadallah was recognized for his stark documentation of the aftermath of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, while Sudanese photographer, Mosab Abushama offers a jarring juxtaposition of violence and celebration with his photo of a groom at his wedding with a rifle in the background.
The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to Morocco’s musical heritage.
Renowned Moroccan singer Naima Samih died early Saturday morning at the age of 71 following a prolonged period of illness.
The deceased left behind a significant legacy in Moroccan musical culture.
Born in Casablanca in 1954, Samih earned a prestigious position and popularity in Morocco and the Arab world because of her sweet voice and delicate sensibility.
While Moroccans mourn the death of the iconic singer, fellow Moroccan artists have paid tribute to the musical icon.
Latifa Raafat wrote on her Facebook, “We share in mourning the departure of the lady of Moroccan music, the dear one who will never be forgotten, Lalla Naima Samih.
The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to the musical heritage of the country.
Samih’s true breakthrough came through talent discovery programs broadcast on Moroccan radio and television. Her first appearance was on “Lucky Thursday” (Khamis Al-Hazz), followed by her participation in the competition program “Talents” (Mawahib).
The artist’s journey to becoming a musical icon wasn’t without obstacles. Her father was initially reluctant to allow her to enter the world of singing, as was common for most fathers during that era.
He only consented after the intervention of influential media figures. But he insisted that his daughter should only perform modern songs and be selective in choosing quality poets and composers.
The young artist quickly rose to prominence in Morocco’s music scene, establishing herself as a leading figure alongside Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Abdelouahab Doukkali.
Through her musical and poetic choices, Samih developed a unique identity that resonated with modern song audiences in Morocco.
She collaborated with composers known for their dedication to incorporating traditional Moroccan rhythms into modern templates (including Abdelkader Rachdi, Abdelkader Wahbi, and Ahmed Alaoui), as well as with prominent zajal poets who adapted local dialects to achieve sophisticated expressiveness (such as Ahmed Tayeb Alj and Ali Haddani).
Among the late artist’s most important musical works were the songs “Jari Ya Jari” (My Neighbor, Oh My Neighbor), “Yak A Jarhi” (Oh My Wound), and “Amri Lillah” (My Life is for God).
These beloved classics helped establish her as a pillar of Moroccan musical heritage and left a stamp in the souls of her era’s Moroccans.
In the early 1970s, Samih married Moroccan cycling champion Mustafa Belkayed. The couple had one son named Shams.
Egyptian actor Youssef Omar will join the cast of the British-Chinese production Shashou, set in Hong Kong.
Youssef Omar is a rising Egyptian actor known for his versatile roles in film and TV series, including, most recently in Ramadan, TV series A Woman’s Youth (Shabab Emraa, 2025), where he co-starred opposite Ghada Abdel Razek.
He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough in the 2018 drama Rahim (dir. Mohamed Salama) and has since starred in popular series like Sittat Bayt Al-Maadi (Women’s Maadi House, 2021), where he played Timo El-Badry (Timo), acting alongside Mira El-Helbawi, Tara Emad, and Enjy Kiwan.
Both series were directed by Mohamed Salama, with the latter catapulting Omar to fame.
Youssef has also successfully transitioned to the silver screen in high-grossing movies such as Awlad Hareem Kareem (2023) and El-Hareefa (2024), starring Nour Ehab, Khaled El-Zahaby, and Bayoumi Fouad.
In 2024, Omar starred in Meen Yasadaq (Who Would Believe?), a film directed by Zena Ashraf Abdel Baky. The film was screened during the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, further solidifying Omar’s status as an up-and-coming talent to watch out for.
Produced and directed by UK producer, screenwriter, and filmmaker Bizhan Tong, Shashou offers Omar his first international role.
Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, co-founders of MAD Solutions, which distributes the film in the MENA region, described the film as a thriller that is “an Arab spin on the packaging strategy that Hollywood has long deployed.”
Shashou is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire’s plot to destabilize Hong Kong.
Festival president Hussein Fahmy announced the appointment during the Berlin International Film Festival.
The Cairo International Film Festival has named Mohamed Tarek as its new artistic director, following his tenure as deputy artistic director. Festival president Hussein Fahmy announced the appointment during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Since its inception in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival has been a cornerstone of the region’s cinematic landscape, held annually at the Cairo Opera House.
Tarek’s career spans film programming, festival consultancy, and jury roles at major international festivals. A graduate of the Locarno Industry Academy in Beirut and the Durban Talents programme, he has worked with CIFF, Dublin International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and Manassat Film Festival. His expertise also extends to projects with El Nahda Association, MedFest Egypt, and the Goethe Institute Cairo.
If you were going to have a creature named after you then a scorpion may not be your first choice, but Ahmed Ibrahim Awale believes the Pandinurus awalei will serve as an inspiration to budding Somali scientists.
The 66-year-old scientist from Somaliland has been honoured by the three researchers who discovered the new scorpion species in the region in recognition of his decades of work in conservation and environmental protection.
“Most of the species identified in Somalia and Somaliland are named after a place, a characteristic that a plant or animal may have or somebody from Europe or America,” he told the BBC in his lively voice on the line from his office in Hargeisa.
“But for many young people here, it will encourage them to know that this species is named after Awale – after all Awale is a Somali.” His pride in having this honour clearly shines through.
‘Large but not that lethal’
Since the 19th Century, researchers, mostly from Europe, have been exploring the rich ecology of the Somali region, but Mr Awale wants to add to the growing number of Somalis taking up zoology and botany.
The 15cm large-clawed scorpion that now carries his name was found in an arid landscape near Agabara village about 50km (30 miles) north of Hargeisa, the capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland.
It is not as venomous as some of its smaller cousins as there is often an inverse relationship between the size of a scorpion’s claws and the power of its sting, Mr Awale explains.
But Pandinurus awalei is just one of 50 scorpion species that live in Somaliland, some of which are only found in the Somali region.
This fact gives a hint at its rich biodiversity. As well as a host of animal species, there are at least 3,000 species of plants that have been identified and more than 700 of them are endemic to the region – and that number is growing.
“Every year new discoveries are coming,” says Mr Awale, who himself found a new species of aloe in 2014.
“This articulates the message that all that is coming from Somaliland and the region is not that bleak. We always hear negative news and this marks a shift in the narrative that is different from the mainstream perception of piracy, extremism, famine and instability.”
True to his name – Awale means “the lucky one” in Somali – he made his own discovery by chance.
He was driving off-road “in the middle of nowhere” on one of his many field trips when he spotted huge clumps of more than 1,000 aloe plants.
“It was something I had never seen in my life,” he says and he went to investigate.
The plant was also a different colour to other aloes and though the local people knew it as dacar-cas (red aloe), they did not know how unusual it was.
After taking a sample and going through a lengthy research and verification process – which included searching the archive at London’s Royal Botanic Gardens and the East African Herbarium in Nairobi – it was proved last year that this was a new species. Mr Awale and his team of researchers named it Aloe sanguinalis (red aloe).
The discovery was the culmination of a lifetime’s passion that he partly puts down to where he grew up.
Born in 1954 in Adadlay, a village 95km east of Hargeisa, he lived near the Gaan Libah mountain, “which is one of the most beautiful places in Somaliland in terms of biodiversity”.
He came from a family of pastoralists, but his father, who ran a small shop in the village, paid for his education and in the end he studied agriculture and environmental science at the Somali National University in Mogadishu.
‘Extinction threat’
Mr Awale’s upbeat message about the biodiversity of Somaliland is tempered by a concern for its future.
Like everywhere else, species are under threat and some are dying out.
A combination of changes of land use for urban development, the clearing of forests for charcoal, the proliferation of invasive species and climate change are “pushing a number of species into extinction”.
For Mr Awale, this is not about prioritising the needs of the natural world over human need.
“Biodiversity is the web of life,” he says.
“We draw on that natural resource for our sustenance, for our medicine, our shelter. The richer the biodiversity, the richer our quality of life will be too.
“A declining biodiversity means that we are becoming poorer and that makes our survival problematic.
To push this message in Somaliland, in 1995 he helped set up Candlelight, an organisation aimed at creating a society that is aware of environmental concerns.
He has also written books and articles, and appears on the radio and TV to increase awareness about the issue.
Mr Awale says he has noticed some changes in government policy, but most importantly he has a growing number of young people engaged in the work.
Despite being recognised by having a scorpion named after him, the environmentalist knows that this is not his struggle alone.
“The Somalis have a proverb: ‘A single finger cannot wash a face.’
“In other words: It’s no use myself being prominent and well known, if I don’t have people supporting me.”
As for the lesson that the discovery of Pandinurus awalei teaches, he is convinced “that there are more species to be discovered… if the time and space allows there will be a lot of discoveries”
Hanan Sultan, a young Omani jewellery designer based between Muscat, Dubai and London, is passionate about fine arts and fashion, but has found ‘jewellery design’ as the perfect middle ground. Skillful at combining traditional and contemporary materials in her creations, Hanan, however, is personally fond of yellow gold and rubies. “Creativity has no limits and… I have yet many miles to go…” she tells Hubert Vaz in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:
What, according to you, defines the value of a piece of jewellery?
The value of a piece of jewellery, to me, lies within its design execution. As a bench-trained jewellery designer, I’m very detail-oriented and committed to craftsmanship by blending traditional making skills with modern technology to achieve an unparalleled level of quality and luxury. I’m truly dedicated to creating timeless pieces that capture a balance of luxury, comfort, and emotional value using the finest materials – precious metals and stones.
When did you figure out that this was your cup of tea?
I realised that it was my cup of tea at an early age when I felt a strong passion for creativity. This passion led me to study (foundational) Fine Arts at Pratt in New York, followed by (foundational) Fashion Studies at the London College of Fashion. I recognised that the world of jewellery was perfect for me when I comprehended that it encapsulated both, fine arts and fashion. I eventually did my BA in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins in London. During my summer holidays, I did internships and courses with different institutes and jewellery brands in Dubai, London and Paris. This expanded my early industry knowledge and provided me with invaluable experiences.
To deepen my expertise, I pursued an MA in Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art in London, which allowed me to refine my creative process and technical skills. Through hands-on experiences and continuous learning (as an Omani jewellery designer), I’ve developed a design approach that blends innovation with traditional jewellery design.
What distinguishes your creations from the rest in the fray in UAE/Oman or elsewhere?
My designs stand out for their precision and craftsmanship, achieved through CAD and CAM technologies, which allow for intricate details and consistent finishing. While I value the cultural significance of traditional handmaking techniques, I focus on blending modern innovation with timeless aesthetics to create unique and enduring pieces.
How differently, do you think, the Western world view jewellery unlike those in Asia and the Middle East?
I find that some of the western world’s overview on jewellery includes accessories, conceptual ‘wearable objects’, incorporating all sorts of contemporary non-precious materials, whilst Asians and Middle Easterns think of jewellery as ‘high/fine jewellery’ that usually incorporates precious metals and stones, most popularly, 18, 22, 24 carat gold, natural diamonds and precious gemstones.
Are the tastes of Arab women changing – is there a need for novelty and wow factor among the younger generation?
Arab women’s tastes, like women everywhere, are constantly evolving. This is due to the rise of the Internet, journalism, social media exposure and easy accessibility to global travel. There’s always a desire for novelty and ‘wow factor’, especially amongst younger generations. It’s human nature to seek fresh and exciting perspectives.
Do you like religious symbols used in jewellery or would you rather keep it creatively different?
Religion, like jewellery, is extremely personal. I appreciate how jewellery can help people of many different backgrounds connect to their faith. Some religious symbols are especially meaningful precisely because they are private and intimate.
As an Omani jewellery designer, which is your best creation so far, and was it sold to any affluent/prestigious buyer?
My favourites include pieces from my frankincense inlay collection. I’ve had buyers from the Gulf, America, Canada and the UK approach me to acquire some of these pieces.
When you customise jewellery, do you follow the client’s requirement or educate them about what’s best for them?
It is important for me to listen to my clients’ wants and needs as well as present them with different options and solutions, ultimately educating them to make the decision that would suit them best.
How popular is your business?
Working in Dubai has been great for me, professionally, because I’ve been able to share my work with a global audience. The global accessibility of Dubai has meant that I’ve been able to make in-person sales to American, British, and European clients, as well as cultivate existing relationships in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Muscat is much quieter, on the whole, but provides a clarifying balance from the bustle of doing business in Dubai. Oman will always be my home and it would be very fulfilling to one day be able to showcase my work in Muscat, my hometown, as an Omani jewellery designer.
Do you also shoulder management/business promotion tasks?
At the moment, I’m managing all aspects of the business, from creative direction to production to logistics, marketing and sales. This is to be expected for young designers at the beginning of their career. But I’m looking forward to being able to focus even more exclusively on the creative processes as the brand grows and I develop my team.
If not in this field which other profession is close to your heart?
If not jewellery design, I would love to explore more of fine arts, arts education, academic arts, or research – something deeply creative and thought-provoking. Fashion design and journalism also intrigue me, they share a similar focus on storytelling, aesthetics, and pushing boundaries, which all align with my passion for design and creativity.
As a young designer entrepreneur have you reached anywhere close to your ultimate goal?
I believe, that creativity has no limits and endless possibilities, so I for sure think that I have yet many, many miles to go.
Red is timeless…
Asked about her personal preference of jewellery, Hanan Sultan struck a unique note. “Yellow gold and rubies are my personal favourites. My friends even call me ‘the queen of rubies’. They hold a special place in my heart because they’re a part of my familial heirlooms, and I love the idea of carrying that legacy into the future. Rubies, to me, resemble their colour – red is timeless and powerful.
The Emirates Libraries and Information Association (ELIA) celebrates Arabic Manuscript Day each year on April 4th to honour the rich history of Arab and Islamic knowledge. This day recognises the importance of Arabic manuscripts, which serve as valuable sources of information and cultural records showcasing the contributions of Arab and Muslim scholars in many areas of study.
To mark this occasion, the association is hosting a symposium called “Manuscripts: Their History and Present,” in collaboration with the Sharjah Heritage Institute. The event will feature well-known researcher Prof. Dr. Bashar Awad, who will discuss how Arabic manuscripts have developed over time, their significance in preserving our shared history, and the challenges they face due to modern technology.
Fahad Al Maamari, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association, highlighted that this celebration shows the association’s dedication to protecting our written heritage and increasing understanding of its importance. He pointed out that manuscripts are not just old documents; they represent the creativity of Arab thinkers and serve as a link between the past, present, and future.
Through events like this, the association aims to promote efforts to preserve, restore, and digitize these manuscripts, ensuring they are accessible for future generations and can be used in various research and academic endeavors.
His team’s research benefits industries such as automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and healthcare.
Khalil Amine, a Moroccan materials scientist, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering of the United States for his contributions to battery and energy storage technologies.
The recognition comes for his leadership in the field of materials science, specifically in the development of batteries and energy storage devices.
Amine, who also serves as a professor at the University of Chicago, is among 128 members and 22 international members inducted into the NAE class of 2025.
“I am very delighted to be selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering,” said Amine. “This is a recognition not only for me, but also for all my co-workers and collaborators around the world, as well as Argonne, which has provided an unmatched, state-of-the-art capability to do excellent work.”
Amine leads the Advanced Battery Technology team at Argonne, where his research focuses on the development of advanced chemistries, materials, and battery systems. His team’s work spans several industries, including automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and medical applications.
A key focus of Amine’s research is the creation of new cathodes, anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and additives for lithium-ion batteries, as well as exploring “beyond-lithium” batteries that use alternative chemistries for energy storage.
Amine’s significant contributions to the field of battery technology have made him a leading figure in materials science. He holds more than 200 patents or patent applications in the field, and he was for 23 years the most cited scientist in battery technology globally.
His accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Energy Prize in 2019. Amine is also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences, and the Electrochemical Society, among others.
Born in Morocco, Amine earned degrees in chemistry and materials science from the University of Bordeaux. After his academic training, he joined Argonne in 1998, bringing with him experience gained from research positions in Belgium and Japan.
His innovative work has played a pivotal role in advancing energy storage technologies that have far-reaching applications in today’s technological landscape.
The National Academy of Engineering, founded in 1964, provides independent analysis and advice on engineering matters, offering leadership and insight into complex global challenges. Amine, along with other members of the NAE class of 2025, will be formally inducted at the Academy’s annual meeting in October.
For National Arab American Heritage Month, SWE recognizes some of the Arab women engineers making their mark in the industry.
National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in the U.S. in April 2021, though celebrations recognizing the Arab community and their contributions in the United States were observed in previous years.
Here at the Society of Women Engineers, we are excited to celebrate some of the amazing Arab women engineers from around the world who are paving the way for others to pursue a future in STEM and thrive in their careers.
Diana Alsindy
Diana Alsindy is a propulsion engineering manager at Blue Origin where she leads a team of engineers building the next rocket to the moon. She is also the founder of The Arabian Stargazer, a bilingual educational platform that promotes science and space in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Diana is an Iraqi refugee who fled the Iraq war in 2004 with her family and now calls Los Angeles home. She frequently hosts lectures and seminars with schools that do not have access to engineering resources and aspires to continue paving the way to space and advocate for others to look up. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a focus in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California San Diego. Hear her speak as a panel member on From the Classroom to the Cosmos: How Educators Can Help Girls Succeed in Space available in the Advance Learning Center.
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb is the founder and chairperson of the Saudi Women Engineers Society (SWES) and the first Saudi engineer specializing in structural engineering. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Technology Sydney and is the first engineer to hold a Certified Mostadam Accredited Professional license, a groundbreaking sustainable framework she led development on, which focuses on green building practices aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. She is an advisor with the Saudi Association of Sustainability Professionals and founder of the Urban Heritage Association, presenting at World ESG Summit and Global Project Management Forum and promoting diversity and women in engineering. Under her leadership, SWES has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bechtel and Saudi Arabia Parsons Corporation to promote opportunities for Saudi women in engineering fields.
Dr. Habiba Alsafar
Dr. Habiba Alsafar is dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of genomics at Khalifa University, one of the United Arab Emirates top universities for STEM education. She earned a BS in biochemistry at San Diego State University, an MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Ph.D. in medical and forensics science from the University of Western Australia. She is credited with establishing the Emirates Family Registry — the first study of its kind in the Middle East — which was instrumental in discovering diabetes risk factors unique to the area’s Bedouin population. She is the recipient of the UAE’s First Honor Model award and the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, as well as the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Rising Talents award in recognition of her trailblazing work in genetics.
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur is the CEO and co-founder of Cambridge-headquartered CorrosionRADAR Ltd, a technology startup in the predictive corrosion monitoring and assets management space. The organization has received recognition for its groundbreaking Predictive Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring System, and Dr. Ennaceur received the 2024 Women in Excellence Achievement Award from the International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management conference (MAINTCON) in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field. Born in Tunisia, Dr. Ennaceur completed her schooling there, earning a civil engineering degree at Ecole National d’Ingénieurs de Gabès (National Engineering School of Gabes), where she was only one of two girls in a class of 20 students, and then a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France.
Marwa Al Mamari
The first aerospace engineer in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Marwa Al Mamari is pursuing a Ph.D. studying artificial intelligence in aviation at Coventry University, where she also earned a Master of Science in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Applied Science in aerospace engineering. She has previously worked with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, specializing in accident prevention and safety recommendations. This mother of two is also an adjunct lecturer in engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. In 2024, she was honored as an Emirati Woman Achiever, an award recognizing visionary Emirati women leading entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. She has spoken at TEDx and other events globally on changing the narratives, the power of STEM, and women’s empowerment in shaping the future.
Dr. Raida Al-Alawi
As the president of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Dr. Raida Al-Alawi is the first woman to lead the organization in its 50+ year history and the first Bahraini woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering. Her professional experience includes serving as dean of Student Affairs at Manama’s Ahlia University, and as associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Bahrain, where she also chaired the department of computer engineering. Dr. Al-Alawi is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World, and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Association of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Intelligence from Brunel University London, an MSc in Computer Engineering from King’s College London, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Kuwait University.
