Public Sector Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Interview with Rawdha AlMarar, Emirati Entrepreneur and Executive Government Leader
| Article | Leadership
In this edition of the Hays Middle East Leadership Series, we spotlight a trailblazer whose career reflects the UAE’s dynamic blend of innovation, inclusion, and ambition. Rawdha Al Marar, the first female Mechanical Engineering graduate from Khalifa University and a Mohamed bin Rashid Leadership Program alumna, has carved a path that bridges public policy, AI, and cultural transformation. Her story offers powerful insights into what it means to lead with purpose and why empowering Emirati women is key to shaping the region’s future workforce.
As we honour the contributions of Emirati women across industries, Rawdha’s story stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and impact. Her leadership reminds us that when women are empowered to lead, entire communities thrive. At Hays Middle East, we’re proud to spotlight voices that challenge convention, drive transformation, and reflect the values of a more inclusive and forward-thinking workforce. This Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate not just one story, but the collective momentum of women shaping the region’s future.
Hays Middle East: Your recent work often involves using technology like AI to promote cultural transformation. How do you, as an Emirati woman, ensure that these technological advancements honor and preserve the nation's rich heritage and values?
Rawdha Al Marar: AI is ultimately a system built on training, so the key is to be intentional and thoughtful about the details we feed into it. We have a beautiful opportunity to embed our heritage into these systems ensuring that the art, narratives, and experiences that are generated by them for the UAE are rooted in Emirati identity. By doing so, we can transform activations or initiatives into extraordinary cultural encounters, making innovation a bridge rather than a barrier between tradition and technology. We can also encourage our youth to create technological systems, games, innovations with that in mind.
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Hays Middle East: You were the first female graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Khalifa University and have since built a career as an executive government leader. What unique strengths do Emirati women bring to traditionally STEM fields like engineering and high-level government strategy?
Rawdha Al Marar: Emirati women lead with ambition, resilience, and talent, excelling across diverse fields while skillfully balancing the many roles they fulfill in daily life. Many also lead with empathy — a quiet strength in the world of AI that allows them to connect deeply, inspire others, and shape the next generation. This empathy, combined with the other traits, is what turns technical expertise into nation-shaping leadership. The UAE has strategically invested in creating an environment where women can dream boldly and act decisively. Yet, this is not solely a story of gender; it is the story of a nation that values talent and empowers its youth, enabling Emiratis to break boundaries and achieve excellence across sectors that will define our future.
Hays Middle East: Beyond your roles in policy and data strategy, you have been involved in initiatives that change public perception, such as transforming initiatives in ADIHEX. How do you see the work of creative and cultural initiatives as an essential part of nation-building, and what role do you feel Emirati women play in this?
Rawdha Al Marar: Creative and cultural initiatives are not side projects — they are central to shaping a nation’s identity and global presence. They allow us to tell our story in ways that resonate emotionally and authentically, both at home and abroad. Initiatives we are rolling out in ADIHEX — such as immersive experiences, VR games, and children’s shows — demonstrate how heritage can be reimagined into interactive formats that strengthen national pride and engage diverse audiences. By tapping into the artistic strengths of women, there is immense potential to create and innovate. And as women play a vital role in raising future generations, they naturally embed values in their children alongside their spouses, while also carrying these values confidently onto the international stage.
Hays Middle East: As a distinguished leader and graduate of MBR leadership program, what advice do you have for young Emirati women who aspire to take on executive roles and lead national-scale projects?
Rawdha Al Marar: My advice to young Emirati women is to embrace their ambition and tap into their creativity. Seek knowledge relentlessly, but also understand that leadership is the ability to inspire others. Say “yes” to opportunities outside your comfort zone they are often the ones that shape you the most. Build relationships with mentors who challenge you, not just cheer you on. And remember: as you rise, reach back and lift others with you. The true measure of leadership is not in the title you hold, but in the leaders you help create.
Hays Middle East: Emirati Women's Day is a celebration of achievements. Looking back at your career, what achievement are you most proud of, and what does this day mean to you personally?
Rawdha Al Marar: Emirati Women’s Day is deeply personal. A moment to reflect on the path paved by the women before us, to honour their efforts, and to renew our commitment to shaping a future we can be proud of. I am humbled to have been part of transformative programs such as the Mohamed bin Rashid Leadership Program and grateful for the opportunity to serve my country in ways that align with my passions whether in engineering, education, cultural heritage, or policy. Some of my proudest moments have been those where I contributed to projects that improved people’s lives and shifted mindsets to think creatively and human-centrically which pushed me to establish Athar Creative Consultancy a space to collaborate with diverse entities on initiatives that create value and leave a lasting impact, because in the end, it is our impact that defines the legacy we leave behind.
Hays Middle East: You have a strong background in future foresight. What is your vision for the next generation of Emirati women, and how will their roles continue to evolve in shaping the UAE's future over the coming decades?
Rawdha Al Marar: My vision for the next generation of Emirati women is that they will be global leaders who navigate AI, sustainability, and emerging industries with confidence all while staying firmly rooted in the values that define us. Over the coming decades, I see Emirati women leading in sectors that do not yet exist, contributing not only to the UAE’s economy but also to the global economy and intellectual landscape, and inspiring generations to come.
As we honour the contributions of Emirati women across industries, Rawdha’s story stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and impact. Her leadership reminds us that when women are empowered to lead, entire communities thrive. At Hays Middle East, we’re proud to spotlight voices that challenge convention, drive transformation, and reflect the values of a more inclusive and forward-thinking workforce. This Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate not just one story — but the collective momentum of women shaping the region’s future.
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