Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the event.
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry, poised to grow at 37.3% annually between now and 2030, was the key focus of the Women in Tech Forum hosted by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (SRTI) Park on September 25, and attended by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTI Park.
Themed on "Leading the Charge: Women Shaping the Future of AI", the major event explored how women could augment their role in this field by showcasing views and experiences of advocates of women’s empowerment, female entrepreneurs and a host of business personalities, including those engaged in AI.
The World Economic Forum has predicted that AI will create around 97 million new jobs, potentially countering workforce displacement concerns. PwC reveals that growth in jobs demanding AI specialist skills has outpaced growth in all jobs, and these jobs carry up to a 25% wage premium on average.
A 2020 World Economic Forum report, however, found that women make up only 26 per cent of data and AI positions in the global workforce, while the Stanford Institute for Human-Centred AI’s 2021 AI Index Report found that women make up just 16 per cent of tenure-track faculty focused on AI globally.
In her opening speech, Sheikha Bodour said: “In this era of rapid technological change, we have to create a future where women are at the forefront of AI and tech. It's not just about equality — it's about survival. By supporting women's access to tech and AI careers, we can shape the ethical foundations of these technologies, ensuring they benefit everyone. We must create opportunities that empower women to lead, innovate, and define a future that works for all of us.”
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said: “SRTI Park is a proactive advocate of women's empowerment in the technology field, as demonstrated by the strong female presence in this science park.
This aligns perfectly with our vision and mission to transform Sharjah into a hub for education, art, culture, and innovation. I feel the widespread use of AI presents women with a perfect window to excel and shine. The Women in Technology forum provided fresh insights and ideas that will drive more women to embrace AI, either as professionals or entrepreneurs.”
There were panel discussions on ‘AI Governance and Gender Equality’, ‘Why We Need Women in AI’, ‘AI and Women in the Creative Industries’ and ‘Women’s Health: AI as a preventative solution’.
Among the prominent speakers were Yasmin Al Enazi, Co-Founder UAE Chapter & Global Ambassador Women in AI; Shada El Borno, Managing Director Standard Chartered Bank; Dr. Shaikha Almazrouei, Genomic researcher at Technology Innovation institute; Dr Hawaa Almansoori, Emirati physician and inventor; Mishal Tassadaq, Head of Strategy at Sheraa; Sheikha Dr Alia AlQassimi; Maryam Alansari, CEO of Itifaq; Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, CEO and Founder of AIE3, Chairperson of UN AI for Good Impact Initiative, Expert AI Executive & Tech Visionary Leader and Dr. Kaïs Hammami, Director of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence of the Islamic World Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
The 2024 WIT Forum aimed to empower women in the AI technology field, highlighting their contribution in an environment for their professional growth and leadership and inspiring women to take active participation in this dynamic industry.
Located in the emirate of Sharjah, SRTI Park is driving an innovation ecosystem that promotes research & development and supports enterprise activity through the triple helix collaboration of industry, government & academia. SRTI Park provides an environment conducive to creativity and innovation by creating a sustainable park with world-class infrastructure and services, to enhance the Emirate’s status as a global destination for nurturing research and technology.
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) recently announced its sponsorship of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2024, the annual event that brings together global investors, business leaders, and innovators to explore Sharjah's thriving investment landscape.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said that the Sharjah Investment Forum aligns with SRTI Park's mission to drive economic growth through innovation and technology.
