Sheikha Shamma hosts Al Yalsa majlis exploring women’s confidence in an artificial intelligence-driven future
A thoughtful gathering brought together women from across the UAE to discuss practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life, education and professional development, emphasising the enduring importance of human judgement and capability.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson of Frontier25, The Climate Tribe, Aurora50, Alliances for Global Sustainability and RESET MENA, has convened the second Al Yalsa majlis, a collaborative initiative with the Department of Government Enablement Abu Dhabi that explored how women can develop confidence and competence in an artificial intelligence-driven landscape.
Al Yalsa represents a series of monthly gatherings where women from throughout the UAE converge to exchange ideas and contemplate solutions that are reshaping the nation’s trajectory. The discussions embrace themes aligned with the national agenda, encompassing health, technology and innovation, sustainability and national identity, whilst honouring the cherished principles of hospitality, generosity and trust that underpin meaningful dialogue on matters of societal and cultural importance.
Practical pathways to artificial intelligence literacy
The second majlis centred upon a foundational question: what would help women feel more confident using artificial intelligence in their everyday lives? Led by Dr Amna Al Mahri, Executive Director of GovTalent at the Department of Government Enablement, the discussion illuminated practical approaches through which women can harness artificial intelligence at home, within educational contexts and in professional environments, whilst maintaining rigorous protection of privacy and personal data.
Dr Amna emphasised that technical expertise need not precede engagement with artificial intelligence. Women can commence their journey by addressing immediate, practical needs, utilising the technology to conserve time and strengthen their capabilities whilst opening pathways towards new entrepreneurial possibilities. Crucially, this evolution must preserve human judgement and decision-making at its very centre.
Lived experience and community insights
Drawing upon insights from community voices, the discussion encompassed perspectives from Emirati artist Moza Al Darmaki and numerous participants who shared their experiences. Women described employing artificial intelligence to support their families’ education whilst learning from younger generations who embrace these tools naturally within school environments. In professional spheres, participants articulated how artificial intelligence enables upskilling and transforms team competences and capabilities.
Simultaneously, attendees articulated substantive concerns regarding data security and privacy, underscoring the vital necessity for comprehensive training in protecting personal information within an increasingly connected landscape.
Balancing innovation with human capability
A consensus emerged from the gathering that whilst artificial intelligence now constitutes an integral element of contemporary life and the UAE continues its historic position at the forefront of technological advancement, discernment remains paramount. Participants emphasised the critical importance of understanding when artificial intelligence serves purpose and when human expertise should remain primary.
The gathering affirmed that human skills, knowledge and development must not diminish through artificial intelligence reliance. Rather, the technology should amplify human abilities, expand professional and personal competence with greater efficiency, and serve as an instrument through which women strengthen their contributions to their families, communities and professional endeavours.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office