Meet UAE woman who developed life-saving epilepsy app after seeing father collapse

Khaleej Times

16-07-2025

When Noor Al Bannai witnessed her father, Abdul Hakeem, collapse during an epileptic seizure, it was a moment that changed everything. What began as a daughter's desperate wish to protect her father soon evolved into a groundbreaking innovation — a mobile application that could one day save lives across the UAE and beyond.
The innovative Epiware app, developed by Al Bannai, represents a breakthrough in epilepsy detection technology, combining smart home integration, wearable devices, and mobile applications to provide instant emergency response when seizures occur.
'I was (just) a young girl who wanted to protect her father,' the Emirati woman recalled. 'I never imagined I would create something that could change his life."
Abdul Hakeem Al Bannai had always been known for his warm, outgoing nature. He enjoyed gatherings, cherished social gatherings, and embraced life with energy. But everything changed the day epilepsy struck without warning.
He had no prior understanding of the condition. The symptoms escalated rapidly — a sudden, severe headache followed by a collapse. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed the diagnosis: epilepsy.
Impact of the diagnosis
The impact of the diagnosis rippled through the family. Once outgoing and vibrant, Abdul Hakeem became withdrawn and anxious. He stopped attending social events and avoided going out altogether — a stark contrast to his naturally outgoing personality.
This transformation in her father deeply affected Noor. Seeing the man she once knew shrink into a life of fear and isolation, she became determined to find a solution.
Noor shared that she was constantly worried that something might happen to her father when no one was home. 'Stress and fear is what inspired me. I didn't want to remain in constant fear that at any minute, at any moment, if I wasn't at home or if any of my siblings or my mother weren't there, something might happen to my father,' Noor explained.
Motivated by this fear, she began researching epilepsy and was shocked to find a lack of effective solutions. 'I started searching for solutions for epilepsy, but unfortunately I didn't find anything, so I felt that the responsibility was on my shoulders. I decided that I must innovate something for people so they don't go through what we went through, and to improve the life of every person suffering from epilepsy and those around them,' she said.
Noor's mission took shape during her final year at university, coinciding with the early stages of her father's condition. 'I graduated, researched, and doctors helped me in this field and introduced me to the types of epilepsy and other aspects,' she recalled.
Building Epiware from scratch
Noor's journey was far from easy. With no background in technology or healthcare, she faced steep learning curves on both fronts. 'I didn't know much about epilepsy at first. I later learned that there are six different types of seizures,' she said.
Undeterred, she collaborated with medical professionals and tech experts to bring her idea to life. The result was Epiware — a three-part system combining smart home technology, a wearable device, and a mobile app, all seamlessly connected.
The system's sophisticated detection capabilities monitor multiple physiological indicators simultaneously. 'The technology monitors several vital signs, including changes in brain waves and body temperature," Noor explained.
"If a seizure is detected, the system sends a distress signal to emergency services, notifies the doctor, and automatically generates a patient report," she added.
This level of monitoring means that even when no one is home, help can be dispatched immediately — addressing the very concern that first inspired Noor's work.
Breaking stigma
For Abdul Hakeem, witnessing his daughter's transformation of their family's struggle into a solution for others has been a source of immense pride and hope.
The man who once retreated from social life due to his condition now sees his experience being used to uplift others.
'It's like watching a seed grow,' he said. 'Noor hasn't just helped me — she's also offering hope to so many people who need this kind of support.'
Beyond the technological innovation, Noor's work carries an important message about epilepsy awareness and the need to combat misconceptions surrounding the condition.
'I want people to understand that epilepsy is a neurological disorder. It's not possession or superstition. People can suddenly die from seizures," Noor said, noting that awareness is important.