DUBAI // A schoolgirl inventor, the first Emirati airline pilot, a pioneering surgeon – all have played their roles in the UAE’s success.
On Sunday, they and 41 fellow innovators were honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, for their contributions.
The 44 Emiratis – one for every year since Federation – were awarded as part of the second UAE Pioneers initiative.
“We have in every Emirati household ‘firsts’ and exceptional people … and they are ambassadors of the country’s excellence in all fields,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted on Sunday after the Madinat Jumeirah ceremony.
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Winners: See the full list here
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He said the event was held to “celebrate them and with them the 44th anniversary marking our beloved nation’s union”.
Fatima Al Kaabi, 14, was honoured as the youngest Emirati inventor.
“I have 10 inventions and they all cater to different fields – for those with special needs, for humanitarian purposes and even the environment,” Fatima said.
“They were not part of school projects but initiatives that I took.”
Her inventions include a printer for those with sight problems, a solar bag that can charge electronic devices and an electronic belt for those with impaired hearing.
“I feel those with special needs are important to the society and I want to help them,” Fatima said.
She said the award from Sheikh Mohammed would “encourage me to take more initiatives and to keep innovating”.
Fatima’s mother, Maitha Obaid, said the family encouraged her youngest daughter to be creative.
“Whatever she asked for we would provide for her, even if we have to order a robotic device online from somewhere else in the world,” Ms Obaid said.
Another winner was Ahmed Al Mansoori, the first Emirati radio presenter.
“I dedicate this recognition to Dubai, the UAE, to the world of media and to the whole world,” Mr Al Mansoori said. “The media is now in need of expertise, it needs to be studied.
“It’s not a matter of writing down words. It needs to be thought out.”
Veteran pilot Ahmed Al Shamsi, 55, was the first Emirati to fly Airbus and Boeing passenger planes. “I am proud that I and others were recognised today,” said Mr Al Shamsi, who received his commercial pilot licence in 1980.
“This kind of recognition by Sheikh Mohammed will hopefully encourage the younger generations to think about being the first and parents to motivate their children.”
Dr Mohammed Al Olama, general secretary of the Emirates Medical Association, was the first national surgeon to implant a wireless intracranial pressure monitoring device.
Dr Al Olama dedicated his award to his wife and parents.
And Alia Al Kaabi, the first female Emirati public prosecutor, hoped her award would encourage other women to follow their dreams.
“It is not hard to be whatever you want to be and if a woman puts her mind to it, she can do anything,” Ms Al Kaabi said.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
