Through close collaboration with US partners, the UAE is inspiring a new generation of space explorers and scientists.

The UAE Embassy, NASA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) hosted an event at George Washington University in celebration of the UAE-US space partnership, moderated by entertainer Steve Harvey. 

Noora Alsaeed currently is a planetary scientist the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received her Masters and PhD. She conducts groundbreaking research on Mars, helping scientists around the world better understand the planet’s atmosphere and water cycle.

Najat Makki is a well-known visual artist in the UAE. She's considered to be part of a pioneering generation of Emirati artists, as she was the first Emirati woman to receive a Ph.D. in art.

“Words are spoken, and then they disappear. But once you look at a painting, if it resonates with you, then it will stay with you forever — it will always keep you thinking."

Nouf Al Anzi is an Emirati soccer player, known for being the first to play in Spain. Growing up, Al Anzi's dream was to become a soccer player like the icons, Brazil's Marta Vieira and US' Carli Lloyd, she grew up watching.

Habiba Al Mar’ashi is potentially the UAE environmental movement's most recognizable figure. Back in 1991, Al Mar’ashi founded the UAE’s oldest and most established formal green organization, Emirates Environmental Group, which is devoted to protecting the environment through successful initiatives including nationwide recycling.

Hana Al Rastamani is the Group CEO for First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), making her the first and only woman to lead a major UAE-headquartered bank and publicly listed corporation within the UAE.

Raja Al Gurg serves as the Chairperson and Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. She has been with ESAG for more than 30 years.

Al Gurg is the president of the Dubai Business Women’s Council as well as a board member of the Dubai Women’s Association and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She was also the first Emirati woman to be appointed to the board of HSBC Middle East. Al Gurg ranked #92 on Forbes’ list of The World’s Most Powerful Women in 2021.

Dyala Nusseibeh is the Director of Abu Dhabi Art. Her mission at the organization is to support the art and culture of the UAE and to demonstrate to the broader community the positive impact the arts can have on people’s lives. She also seeks to empower and enable younger artists who are just starting out in their careers by selling their works and promoting their shows.

“Since the first fair in 2007, Abu Dhabi Art has played an integral role in the art eco-system in Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates, fueling the appetite for art in the region.”