Meet Reem AlZarouni, UAE's reading champion who's fighting climate change with bots
The young Emirati from Al-Ittihad National Private School has invented 'PermaBot,' a device that could help detect dangerous permafrost thawing and alert communities before disaster strikes.
The bot is a smart automated system designed to monitor permafrost, which is the frozen layer of soil found in some of the coldest regions on Earth. This phenomenon causes the frozen layer to potentially, over time, release toxic methane gases into the environment, making it a ticking climate bomb.
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'The problem of permafrost is often overlooked, and I invented this bot to detect such contingencies and to protect organisms around it,' Reem told Khaleej Times.
Reem's understanding in the field of climate is evident as she ranked among the top 30 winners in UNICEF's Net Zero Hero competition across the UAE, for her efforts in projects related to permafrost, plastic use, and waste recycling.
'Winning Net Zero Hero was more than just an award. It was a turning point that taught me age doesn't matter in making a difference,' she said, adding, 'Sustainability Practices are important and I try to implement them in my daily life as well as to raise awareness within our communities.'
Passion in lit and tech
The eighth-grader's victory against tens of thousands of students in the Arab Reading Challenge shaped her approach to problem-solving. Where others see separate interests, Reem sees connections between her passions in literature and technology.
'This was truly one of the most memorable moments in my life,' she told Khaleej Times about her reading triumph. 'Our country always pushed us to dream big, and I felt a deep sense of pride to even represent it in the finals."
Reem juggles different practices at once and is always out for more. 'Balancing is not about doing everything at once; it's doing the right thing at the right time. My key is being organised and doing the work I am passionate about, so it counts as free time,' she explained.
Family support fuels her achievements. 'My biggest support system was my family. They believed in my capabilities from my first step, encouraged me to dream big, and cheered me in each competition,' she shared.
For young people wanting to pursue their interests and passions, Reem has a clear message: 'Believe in your voice, your ideas, and your power to make a difference. You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference, always dare yourself and take small steps at a time."
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