Engaging women to study STEM through empowerment: A case from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides towards the diversification of its economy away from hydrocarbons for past several years. The country believes that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is the main component to achieve a knowledge-based economy. In 2014, the country published its National Innovation Policy (STI), a document that highlights various vital non-oil sectors for investment - all of which are STEM oriented including the space sector. The UAE has demonstrated unique success in attracting more Emirati women to STEM fields than their male colleagues. This paper will highlight different techniques the UAE has used to encourage more Emirati women to graduate with degrees in STEM fields, including the role of UAE's education system in encouraging female students. In addition, the paper will discuss women's role in developing the aerospace sector in the UAE, along with the role of UAE's leadership in empowering women to enter technical fields. The paper will demonstrate the value proposition that the UAE is offering and the uniqueness of the framework that has been put in place.