Celebrating Women in AI: A Milestone Graduation at RIT Dubai
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai recently had the honor of hosting a remarkable graduation ceremony for the NOMU Al Ghurair Women in AI programme. This initiative, collaboratively presented by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the innovative educational institution ZAKA, proudly marked a significant achievement for a cohort of 70 talented Emirati and Arab women who dedicated 20 weeks to mastering artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skills.
The NOMU Initiative: Empowering Future Leaders
Launched in 2021, the NOMU programme—meaning "growth" in Arabic—aims to empower 25,000 Emirati youth by the year 2025. This ambitious initiative reflects AGF’s commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce in the UAE, specifically in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The graduation of these women signifies not only a personal accomplishment for each participant but also a step toward transforming the gender narrative in technology across the region.
An Inspirational Ceremony
The grandeur of the graduation ceremony was palpable, with notable figures in attendance, including Larissa Abi Nakhle, Co-founder and Head of Partnerships at ZAKA, Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, and Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. During her opening remarks, Dr. Ben Jaafar emphasized the Foundation’s mission to upskill Emirati women and promote their entry into the AI job market, encouraging them to become leaders in shaping the digital future of the UAE.
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Ben Jaafar’s enthusiastic address resonated profoundly with the graduates. She applauded them for venturing into a traditionally male-dominated field and doing so with courage and determination. “You are the spark of a movement; a signal that the UAE’s innovation economy will not be built by machines alone, but by women like you,” she remarked, highlighting the transformative power of this initiative.
A Vision for Collaboration
Dr. Yousef Al Assaf welcomed the graduates as representatives of a new generation of leaders in technology and innovation. He provided insights into the future of RIT Dubai, revealing plans for six new centers aimed at fostering education and innovation. He invited the graduates to consider partnership opportunities with the university, emphasizing that the journey to harnessing AI’s full potential begins with collaboration.
The Human Element in Technology
Dr. Al Assaf also spoke about the crucial role of human values in the advancement of technology. He pointed out that while AI can enhance processes, it lacks emotional intelligence. “Smart machines are not replacing jobs; they are creating jobs,” he explained. He stressed the importance of retaining the human element in AI development, ensuring that technology serves to improve lives rather than complicate them.
Recognizing Achievements and Future Prospects
The ceremony culminated in a moment of pride as each graduate received their certificate, symbolizing not just an educational milestone, but a commitment to contributing to the anticipated 20-34% annual growth projected in the Middle East’s AI sector. This growth could have significant economic implications, with estimates suggesting a potential impact of $320 billion by 2030.
As these women step forward, equipped with new skills and knowledge, they represent a powerful shift in the workforce and embody the promise of a more inclusive and innovative future in technology. The NOMU Al Ghurair Women in AI programme stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.
