Latest news with #AlDhabiAlMheiri
Entrepreneur
04-08-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
AlDhabi AlMheiri Launches the World's First AI Academy for Children - Built by a Child, for Children
"Technology shouldn't belong only to adults. Children can understand it, shape it, and lead its future- if we just let them in." You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In an inspiring achievement that has captured international attention, 10-year-old Emirati changemaker AlDhabi AlMheiri has launched the first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) academy created specifically for children, designed and led entirely by a child. The academy, which targets learners aged 7 to 13, represents a bold leap forward in youth empowerment and educational innovation, and it all comes from the heart and vision of one of the UAE's youngest pioneers. The initiative was born out of AlDhabi's journey through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through these programs, she immersed herself in global educational conversations about the future of knowledge and technology and turned that exposure into action. What began as personal growth evolved into a powerful project, a digital learning platform that makes artificial intelligence accessible, ethical, and exciting for children around the world. As a proud member of the UN's SDG Publishers Compact, AlDhabi aligned her academy with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing global impact at the core of her mission. Her platform directly addresses Goal 4: Quality Education, providing free AI learning paths, interactive projects, and adaptive support to promote digital literacy. Through dedicated "Girls in AI" workshops, she advances Goal 5: Gender Equality, encouraging equal access to technology and leadership for girls. She also tackles Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, offering tailored resources for children with additional needs, while integrating sustainability-themed challenges that contribute to Goal 13: Climate Action. Most importantly, she fosters Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with publishers and educators who share her commitment to future-focused, inclusive learning. Related: What The UAE's AI Education Revolution Could Mean for the Future of Classroom Activities: Insights from a Young Entrepreneur What sets this AI academy apart isn't just its content, it's the childlike clarity and warmth in its delivery. AlDhabi explains that she intentionally avoided rigid, academic formats. Instead, she created something fun, visual, and full of heart. "I didn't want my lessons to sound too formal," she says. "So I used simple language, friendly cartoon characters, and examples that children actually relate to." Her 20-lesson program includes short videos, printable worksheets, and project-based activities that turn complex concepts into enjoyable discoveries. Children learn not only what AI is and how it works, but also the values that must guide its use , honesty, privacy, fairness, and responsibility. The platform takes children on a journey that's both educational and ethical, showing them how to distinguish between helpful and harmful uses of technology. AlDhabi's mission isn't to turn every child into an AI engineer, it's to ensure that no child grows up digitally illiterate in a world run by algorithms. By embedding child data protection policies, requiring parental consent, and maintaining transparent privacy standards, the academy also stands as a model for safe and ethical digital learning. But there's more: this AI journey doesn't stop at understanding how machines work. AlDhabi has gone further by incorporating entrepreneurship modules into her curriculum. Children are encouraged to think creatively, solve real-life problems, and even design their own mini-projects , planting the seeds of a mindset that sees every challenge as an opportunity. "I want kids to feel like creators, not just consumers," she says. "They can build, they can lead, and they can start young." These efforts are no surprise from a girl who holds four Guinness World Records, including the youngest publisher of a bilingual book, the youngest publisher of a book series, and the youngest columnist in both a newspaper and a magazine. She is also the recipient of the Princess Diana Award for humanitarian service and has earned the "50 from the Future" award by the UAE Ministry of Economy, recognizing her as one of the country's most promising future leaders. Beyond these accolades, AlDhabi is also a certified AI engineer by IBM with 163 hours of training, a certified international trainer from the Global Academy for Training & Development (GATD) in the UK, and a graduate of executive education from NYU Abu Dhabi. She also completed a prestigious entrepreneurship fellowship at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., supported by the U.S. mission to the UAE. And through her publishing house, Rainbow Chimney, she leads educational and storytelling initiatives that have reached children in the UAE and beyond. None of this, she says, would have been possible without her family. Her younger siblings, Saeed and AlMaha, have followed in her footsteps, each with their own published works and Guinness records, proving that an inspired household is the soil where great legacies grow. "A strong family," she adds, "builds strong leaders." As she reflects on her academy, AlDhabi's message to the world is clear: "Technology shouldn't belong only to adults. Children can understand it, shape it, and lead its future- if we just let them in." From the UAE to the world, AlDhabi AlMheiri is not only learning from the future - she's building it. Learn more or enroll your child today at Related: Passion Pursuit: How To Build Confidence As A First-Time Young Startup Founder
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UAE: 11-year-old child prodigy, author and publisher with four Guinness records launches AI academy for kids
TL;DR: Eleven-year-old AlDhabi AlMheiri has launched an AI academy for children and holds multiple Guinness World Records. has launched an for children and holds multiple Records. She earned the title of youngest female to publish a bilingual book at just seven years and 360 days. Her entrepreneurial and publishing ventures, Rainbow Chimney and Books from Children to Children, have published over 50 works by young writers. At just 11 years old, AlDhabi AlMheiri, a trailblazing Emirati child prodigy and Guinness World Record holder, has taken another bold step in reshaping children's education by launching a dedicated AI academy for kids in the UAE. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Already celebrated for founding her own publishing house and becoming the world's youngest bilingual author, AlDhabi's new initiative aims to introduce children, especially those under the age of 12, to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, coding, and creative tech skills. Her academy is built on an inclusive model, combining early STEM education with storytelling, and is designed to be accessible to all children, including those with learning differences. This move marks a significant shift in the way AI education is being localized for the younger generation in the region, and it continues her mission to empower children not just as learners, but as creators and changemakers. Who is AlDhabi AlMheiri? A profile in youth leadership Born on 13 July 2014 in Al Ain and educated at Al Ain Academy, AlDhabi began reading at age three and writing by four and a half. She is the founder of Rainbow Chimney Bookstore and Publishing House, by age seven becoming the youngest female ever to publish a bilingual book, in English and Arabic. Her debut title, I Had an Idea, achieved Guinness World Record status at precisely seven years and 360 days old, meeting the strict requirement of independently writing without assistance and selling at least 1,000 copies within two days of launch. She continued her literary journey by publishing Here Was the Beginning, earning a second Guinness World Record as the youngest author of a bilingual book series. To date, she has overseen publication of over 53 books by children, under initiatives like 'Books from Children to Children' that promote storytelling among peers globally. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now AlDhabi also serves as the world's youngest newspaper columnist, writing for Aletihad in both Arabic and English at age 10 years and 99 days. Her commentary tackles nuanced social issues, from financial literacy and education inclusion to the impact of AI, earning praise at the Global Media Congress. In addition to her writing and publishing milestones, the 11-year-old Emirati has an impressive set of academic credentials, including 163 hours of IBM-certified AI training, attended executive education programmes at NYU Abu Dhabi, and has earned a fellowship at Georgetown University's entrepreneurship programme in collaboration with the Atlantic Council and the U.S. Mission to the UAE. Altogether, she holds four Guinness World Records that highlight her early achievements in writing and media: Youngest female to publish a bilingual book Youngest author of a bilingual book series Youngest newspaper columnist Youngest magazine columnist From books to bots: The AI academy for kids AlDhabi AlMheiri, a four-time Guinness World Record holder and Emirati prodigy has launched the AI Learning Academy for Kids, offering 20 video-based modules for children aged 7 to 13. These lessons cover AI fundamentals, ethics, machine vs human intelligence, prompt engineering, and even entrepreneurship. Each module includes printable worksheets and hands-on activities to reinforce learning through play and practical experience. The platform also features a Girls in AI workshop to address the gender gap in tech in the MENA region. Lessons are delivered in simple, relatable language, in both Arabic and English, and prioritize child data protection, parental consent, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The entire curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence, empowering young learners to become tech creators, not just consumers. Awards, recognitions and impact AlDhabi AlMheiri's outstanding achievements have earned her global recognition across multiple domains. She holds four Guinness World Records, including as the youngest female publisher of a bilingual book, creator of a bilingual book series, and the youngest columnist both in a newspaper and a magazine. In 2024, at just 10, she became the first Emirati recipient of the Diana Award, celebrated for her impactful humanitarian work, literacy initiatives, and advocacy at COP28 for environmental awareness and children's education. Her accolades include the Women of Worth Award presented by L'Oréal Paris for public speaking and storytelling activism, and the Emirati Women Achiever Award from StartAD for her business leadership and brand-building efforts. She was also named one of Entrepreneur Middle East's Top 50 Visionary Women in recognition of her founding of Rainbow Chimney, a pioneering inclusive bookstore and publishing platform for children, with over 53 titles published across more than 13 countries. At COP28, UNICEF named her a 'Net Zero Hero', acknowledging her climate-focused activism and Eco Club initiative that engages children in sustainability practices. She also earned a place among Future Minds (USA) 'Top 25 Under 25', underlining her leadership among global youth change-makers. AlDhabi is a graduate of the prestigious WiN Fellowship at Georgetown University, a joint program by the Atlantic Council and the U.S. Mission to the UAE. She is also a signatory to the SDG Publishers Compact, reinforcing her commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive educational content Why this matters Youth potential unlocked : AlDhabi's achievements underscore the power of fostering creative expression and innovation from early childhood. : AlDhabi's achievements underscore the power of fostering creative expression and innovation from early childhood. Tech access for all ages : By opening an AI academy aimed at kids, she challenges traditional norms about age and technological engagement. : By opening an AI academy aimed at kids, she challenges traditional norms about age and technological engagement. Inclusion and sustainability focus: From publishing for children of determination to promoting climate awareness, her work champions both ethics and inspiration. AlDhabi AlMheiri is more than just a young achiever; she represents a growing wave of youth-led innovation emerging from the UAE. Her journey from publishing books at a record-breaking age to launching an AI academy for children demonstrates how passion, purpose, and the right support can redefine age barriers. As the world increasingly turns to artificial intelligence and digital literacy, AlDhabi's initiative not only equips children with future-ready skills but also fosters creativity, curiosity, and inclusivity. Her story is a powerful reminder that when nurtured, young minds can lead conversations about the future, not just participate in them. As she continues to inspire both policymakers and peers, AlDhabi's impact is poised to go far beyond the borders of the UAE.
Khaleej Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
10-year-old entrepreneur among startup founders at 'UAE Future 50' initiative
Fifty informative stands showcased Emirati-founded startups at the Boulevard, Emirates Towers, during the launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative held on Wednesday. These startups, all founded by Emiratis, are part of a new national initiative aimed at shaping the UAE's future economy through innovation and technology. The selected companies span 15 strategic sectors ranging from fintech and agtech to space, cybersecurity, and creative industries, all of which are expected to play a critical role in the transformation to a knowledge-based economy. The list also features startups in clean tech, legal tech, food tech, health tech, HR tech, smart mobility, sustainability, and the sharing economy. "We are not only celebrating their entrepreneurial achievements but also contributing to preparing the UAE's economy for the future by supporting local talent in strategic sectors," said Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, during a panel discussion. Among the standout entrepreneurs was 10-year-old Al Dhabi Al Mheiri, the youngest on the list. A Generation Alpha founder, she created Rainbow Chimney, a platform that empowers children through storytelling and publishing. 26 per cent of the startups were founded by Emirati women Al Roumi emphasized the government's commitment to nurturing startups and expanding the role of women in entrepreneurship. "In this first edition, 26 per cent of the startups were founded by Emirati women. We hope to see that number reach 50 per cent in future editions," she noted. "What we hope to see is that among these 50 Emirati startups, there will be billion-dirham companies of tomorrow." She added that future-readiness is an ongoing process. "Our bet is on our youth, who will carry this nation forward." The new initiative builds on the momentum of the 100 Future Companies program launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Economy in partnership with the Government Development and the Future Office. That program identified and supported UAE-based companies leading in future-focused sectors. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Nada Al Mheiri, Creative Marketing Executive at the Government Development and Future Office, explained the selection process behind the UAE Future 50. "We wanted to highlight companies that can shape the future of the UAE while inspiring the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs," she said. "These startups represent the UAE's economic direction and how we are preparing for the years ahead," Al Mheiri added.
