The MBRKA: Emirati Leadership, Global Impact
Launched in 2015 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA) has become a leading global initiative celebrating intellectual creativity and human achievement. A key part of the annual Knowledge Summit, it convenes global thought leaders, researchers, and innovators. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that enhance the knowledge landscape by pioneering new methods for knowledge transfer and dissemination. In this way, it supports the development of creative, sustainable economies and strengthens the UAE's role as a global knowledge hub. Over the years, MBRKA has raised awareness about the importance of knowledge sharing and inspired educational and research institutions to adopt innovative initiatives. It has also motivated individuals to transform their creativity into tangible achievements. By fostering a worldwide network of thinkers and experts, MBRKA has facilitated cross-border collaboration and demonstrated that investing in intellectual capital is essential for shaping a better future for all of humanity. For more information, visit MBRKA’s website:
https://mbrf.ae/knowledgeaward/en

Since the founding of the UAE, Emirati women have been at the forefront of the nation’s progress. Guided by the support of visionary leadership, which has consistently recognized their vital role in society, they have become key drivers of development and future-building. Today, in an era of rapid technological change and the expanding knowledge economy, Emirati women stand as a dynamic force, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. Their presence spans diverse sectors, including education, science, entrepreneurship, and leadership, where they have proven their ability to influence policymaking and strategic decisions. Their contributions go far beyond participation; they are strategic partners in steering the transformations outlined in the UAE’s Vision 2071. Emirati women’s strength lies in their ability to balance authenticity with modernity, and national identity with global competitiveness. This duality makes them central to building a sustainable knowledge society. With growing participation in research, innovation, and creativity, they are shaping a future where they serve as icons of positive change and influential voices on the global stage. Empowering women is thus not an end in itself, but a long-term investment in the UAE’s future, ensuring the nation remains an inspiring model of equality, progress, and intellectual leadership.

لطيفة الشحي.. إماراتية تصوغ المستقبل بالبيانات والمعرفة
تجسد لطيفة الشحي من موقعها كمديرة إدارة بيانات الاستثمار في وزارة الاستثمار الإماراتية، نموذج المرأة الإماراتية التي حملت رسالة الريادة والمعرفة لتسهم في صناعة مستقبل وطنها، حيث تعمل على وضع استراتيجيات بيانات تدعم مسيرة التنمية الاقتصادية، وتفتح آفاقاً جديدة لبيئة استثمارية قائمة على الابتكار والذكاء الاصطناعي، بما يعكس رؤية الدولة في أن تكون مركزاً عالمياً للمستقبل. رحلة الشحي المهنية، التي انطلقت منذ عام 2016، تمثل قصة إصرار وتميز؛ حيث تولت أدواراً رائدة في مؤسسات وطنية حيوية مثل: هيئة الطرق والمواصلات بدبي، والمركز الاتحادي للتنافسية والإحصاء. ومن خلال هذه التجارب، أثبتت أن المرأة الإماراتية قادرة على قيادة التحولات الرقمية وصياغة السياسات المبنية على المعرفة. ولأن بصمتها تتجاوز حدود الوطن، تشارك الشحي بفاعلية في منظمات دولية مرموقة، مثل لجنة خبراء الأمم المتحدة للبيانات الضخمة، ومعهد البيانات المفتوحة، إلى جانب دورها القيادي في «نادي المرأة في الذكاء الاصطناعي – فرع الإمارات». وقد شاركت الشحي في نقاشات قمة المعرفة 2024 بجلسة «ذكاء بشري واصطناعي لنهضة اقتصادية واجتماعية»، لتؤكد أن المرأة الإماراتية شريك رئيسي في بناء غدٍ أكثر إشراقاً. لمشاهدة الجلسة كاملة باللغة العربية اضغط الرابط التالي:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbPYWvJ4cXU
 

Latifa Alshehhi: An Emirati Shaping the Future with Data and Knowledge
As Director of Investment Data at the UAE Ministry of Investment, Latifa Alshehhi represents the Emirati woman who embodies leadership and knowledge in building the nation’s future. She develops data strategies that drive economic growth while opening new opportunities for an investment environment based on innovation and artificial intelligence, in line with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for the future.
Alshehhi’s career, which began in 2016, reflects determination and distinction. She has held leading positions in key national institutions, including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center. Through these roles, she has shown that Emirati women can lead digital transformation and design policies founded on knowledge.
Her influence also extends internationally. She is an active member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and the Open Data Institute, and serves as Head of Analytics and AI at Women in AI – UAE Chapter. In 2024, she spoke at the Knowledge Summit during the session “AI and HI for Prosperity: Fueling Economic Growth and Social Change,” underscoring the essential role of Emirati women as partners in shaping a brighter future.
To watch the full session in English, click the following link:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxC8aNFTD3M