How as an Emirati woman, I learnt to bridge cultural gaps in Indonesia

Masdar renovated several public schools damaged by floods and earthquakes. A flash flood-affected area in Rua, Ternate Island, Indonesia. EPA

As we celebrate Emirati women and their contributions across fields globally, a particular message resonates deeply with me: fostering understanding between people of different ethnicities. This is particularly powerful for women like myself, who embody a pioneering spirit, bridging cultures – even learning new languages – to champion a sustainable future.

My journey with Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, has taken me from the familiar shores of the UAE to the vibrant landscapes of Indonesia. I had the privilege there of leading the development of a floating solar plant, which was South-East Asia’s largest and the first of its kind in Indonesia. The project took six years and I was involved for four of those. Located in the Citarum River in West Java, the Cirata floating solar plant is not just an engineering marvel; it’s a community with its own rhythms and traditions. The reservoir, a source of life and livelihood for the local community, now holds a promise for a more sustainable future.

Today, the plant powers over 50,000 homes. Reaching this milestone is a technological achievement, but it is also a testament to the power of fostering strong partnerships and navigating complex cultural landscapes.

The Cirata floating solar plant is the first of its kind in Indonesia. Photo: Masdar

Our plans initially were heavily focused on engineering and efficiency. We soon, however, recognised the importance of considering the social impact of our work, especially the relocation of local fishermen whose livelihoods were closely tied to the reservoir selected for the plant.

This realisation prompted a shift in our approach and we adopted new ways of working and ensuring open dialogue with local stakeholders to minimise any adverse impact on the community. Direct communication became paramount, and over several months, I was dedicated to learning Bahasa Indonesia. This allowed me to engage with the fishermen directly, bypassing the need for intermediaries. We spent extensive time in their villages, listening to their stories, understanding their concerns, and gaining a deeper perspective on the project's impact.

Fatima Al Suwaidi led the development of the Cirata solar plant, which now powers more than 50,000 homes. Photo: Masdar

This shift from a purely technical focus to one grounded in empathy and cultural sensitivity transformed our relationships with the local community. We involved fishermen in the project and implemented community development programmes suited to their needs.

For example, we set up food stalls and organised entrepreneurship programmes related to businesses they were interested in, such as sewing. We also launched a well-being initiative, providing essential nutrition supplies and medical vaccines that were previously unavailable to pregnant women and toddlers. We also renovated several public elementary schools that had been severely damaged by floods and earthquakes, making them safe for students once again.

A shift from a technical focus to one grounded in empathy and cultural sensitivity transformed our relationships with the local community

Many fishermen, seeing our efforts to understand and address their concerns, became our partners. One notable example is when they provided us with boats that were essential for transporting the solar panel islands from the laydown areas onshore to their permanent location offshore. Given the large size of these panels, we needed many boats in a short period, and their assistance was invaluable. We also rented these boats and hired the fishermen as boat drivers. Some fishermen even enrolled in a solar training programme that we organised. They learnt about solar energy, how to install solar panels, and graduated with certificates in solar operations and maintenance.

Masdar involved fishermen in the project and implemented community development programmes suited to their needs, such as sewing. AP

Their trust and partnership paved the way for collaborative solutions. I was deeply moved when the fishermen offered their boats to assist with the plant's construction. That gesture to help was a sign of their keenness in shared progress and a testament to the power of cultural understanding.

A man fishes on the coast of Banda Aceh, in Indonesia. Many fishermen, seeing Masdar's efforts to understand and address their concerns, became involved in the project. AFP

Venturing into international collaboration requires embracing the unknown with curiosity. Reflecting on my own background, I draw inspiration from my mother, who was one of the first Arab women hired by foreign airlines at Dubai Airport in the 1970s. She worked in aviation for 33 years, ultimately becoming Dubai Operations Director for a Bahraini airline. Licensed in several international aviation-related areas, she thrived in a male-dominated and challenging sector. Her passion for her work motivated me to take on challenges and explore new horizons.

Learning the nuances of different cultures, not just the technicalities of my field, allowed me to ask questions that reinforced the power of genuine human connection. The Cirata project became a powerful example of how cultural understanding is not just a box to be ticked. It is the very foundation upon which successful international collaborations are built. When we understand local customs, languages, and perspectives, we can co-operate better. We build trust, navigate potential misunderstandings, and open doors to solutions that would otherwise remain hidden.

Today, the floating solar plant in Indonesia speaks not only to Masdar’s capabilities in developing clean energy projects but also to upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and ensuring our projects benefit the communities they serve. The lessons learned from Cirata have informed new approaches to managing social impacts and championing community engagement across Masdar’s global projects. These experiences should be a source of pride for Emirati women everywhere, showcasing our ability to make a global impact while staying true to our cultural roots.