Meet Emirati women making a green impact on urban innovation

Al Etihad

22-06-2025

22 June 2025 22:10
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Amid rapid development and evolving climate risks, Emirati women engineers are stepping up to advance the UAE's carbon neutrality goals. Putting sustainability at the core of urban innovation, they blend heritage design with climate science and cutting-edge technology.On the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated annually on June 23, Aletihad spoke to Emirati women engineers who are helping bring the UAE's sustainability vision to life.In her role, Amna Saeed Alzaabi, Senior Analyst in Design Management, Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar City, contributes to aligning urban development with national climate goals.'My work involves managing the design of high-performance, low-carbon buildings that integrate sustainable technologies with traditional climate-responsive design,' she explained. Alzaabi ensures that every project adheres to Masdar City's stringent environmental standards, while also confirming to broader frameworks like Estidama, LEED, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.
'I work closely with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to help shape developments that serve as replicable models for other urban centres in the region and globally,' she said.
Alzaabi believes that 'true sustainability starts with climate-responsive design, not just high-tech solutions'.She noted that elements rooted in traditional Emirati architecture, such as natural ventilation, shading, and thick walls, inspired much of the engineering work at Masdar City. 'We use these concepts to reduce energy use by keeping buildings cool without relying heavily on air-conditioning,' Alzaabi said. 'By blending these age-old techniques with modern technology, we create sustainable buildings that respect our heritage while meeting today's environmental goals.'Combining smart technology with passive design can help reduce energy use in buildings to support sustainable urban growth, according to Alzaabi.'Things like advanced building materials, energy modelling, and adaptive shading can make buildings more comfortable and efficient,' she said.'At Masdar City, we're also working on improving cooling systems and creating buildings that produce more energy than they use. These ideas can change how cities are built in hot climates and serve as examples for others to follow.'Alzaabi advises aspiring Emirati women pursuing careers in sustainability engineering to say curious and believe in their ability to make an impact. 'These fields need diverse voices to shape resilient, future-ready cities. Seek out mentors to support you on your journey, embrace learning, and don't be afraid to lead. Sustainability isn't just a goal; it's a mindset, and your perspective is vital to building a better world,' she said.
Turning Blueprints Green Aisha Alkindi, Sustainability Manager at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, works on embedding sustainability into the very blueprint of large-scale property developments. 'This starts at the blueprint stage, influencing everything from energy-efficient designs, indoor environment compliances, waste management and water conservation strategies to the selection of sustainable materials and the implementation of robust waste management programmes, ensuring that the implementations are being carried out and sharing the results to all our stakeholders,' she said.
'We're creating places where residents experience a tangible difference - healthier indoor environments, abundant green spaces, and lower utility bills thanks to smart design and technology - across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.'
Balancing green goals with the fast pace of development in the UAE requires a strategic and integrated approach, according to Alkindi.'We achieve this by integrating sustainability directly into our business strategy. We began by conducting comprehensive baseline assessments through various sustainability audits, allowing us to tailor our strategies accordingly,' she said. 'This approach includes investing in advanced green building technologies, optimising designs for passive cooling and natural lighting, and exploring renewable energy solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically feasible.'Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment; they enhance property value, reduce operational costs, and align with the evolving expectations of customers and regulators, she noted. Alkindi believes that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. 'Seeing the remarkable growth and vision of the UAE, I felt a strong call to ensure this development is built on a foundation of responsibility and foresight,' she said.
Sharing a reminder and a piece of advice to young Emirati women, Alkindi said: 'Your unique perspective is vital in shaping sustainable urban spaces. Champion green initiatives in your communities, advocate for eco-conscious policies, and inspire future generations to build cities that thrive in harmony with nature.'