Women in Energy: In Conversation with Dr. Yasmin Halawani on Driving Technological Innovation

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Halawani shares her insights on the future of energy in the Middle East, the role of women in STEM, and the transformative power of technology. She discusses the key skills needed for success in the energy sector and strategies to bridge the gender gap in engineering and technology.

The Middle East is rapidly transforming into a global hub for technological innovation in energy, leveraging AI-driven energy management, smart grids, and emerging technologies like robotics and smart materials. With ambitious sustainability goals such as the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, the region is accelerating its transition toward renewable energy, digitalization, and smarter, more resilient energy infrastructure.

Dr. Yasmin Halawani, Assistant Professor at the University of Dubai and a recognized MIT Innovator Under 35, is at the forefront of research in emerging memory technologies, AI applications, and in-memory computing. With a passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions, she is also a Board Member at the Arab Youth Research Council, advocating for the next generation of STEM leaders. 

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Halawani shares her insights on the future of energy in the Middle East, the role of women in STEM, and the transformative power of technology. She discusses the key skills needed for success in the energy sector, the challenges and opportunities in clean energy, and strategies to bridge the gender gap in engineering and technology.

Interviewer: With your background in electrical and electronics engineering, how do you see the role of technology evolving in shaping the future of energy, particularly in the Middle East?

Dr. Halawani: The future of energy in the Middle East is being shaped by a dynamic, interconnected layers of technologies that work together to drive sustainable solutions. These solutions are increasingly holistic, combining renewable energy sources, AI-driven energy management, and emerging technologies like smart materials, drones and robotics. The integration of these innovations enables smarter, more efficient energy production, transmission, and consumption, while ensuring security and resilience through robust cybersecurity measures. 

As the region transitions toward a more decentralized and diversified energy landscape, these technologies will create a sustainable ecosystem that not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also prepares the sector for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. 

Interviewer: As a professor and researcher, what key skills or knowledge areas do you believe are essential for women looking to build successful careers in the energy sector?

Dr. Halawani: For women aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector, building a strong foundation in core STEM areas such as engineering, renewable energy technologies, and computational methods is essential. However, the key to thriving in this field goes beyond just technical expertise. From my own journey, I’ve learned that blending technical skills with soft skills like creative problem-solving, effective communication, and leadership is crucial. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and bridge the gap between industry and academia is invaluable. 

I’ve observed how initiatives like the upcoming 2025 MEE X IEEE Sessions in Dubai are helping to foster networking opportunities for students, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and drive innovation together. 

Interviewer: With sustainability and smart energy solutions taking the center stage, what do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities in accelerating the transition to clean energy in the region?

Dr. Halawani: Transitioning to clean energy solutions requires substantial investments in new infrastructure, technology development, and a shift in the skill sets of the workforce, supported by new university majors and specialized programs. The reliability of emerging technologies needs to be proven, which adds complexity to the process. 

However, within these challenges lie significant opportunities to innovate, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. For example, smart grids, energy storage, AI-driven optimization, and asset management not only address current issues but also have the potential to transform the region's energy landscape. These innovations can reduce costs, optimize energy use, and pave the way for new business models and industries within the clean energy sector.

Governments are also setting clear goals in the clean energy sector. For instance, the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to reduce emissions, phase out clean coal in the energy mix, and implement several key initiatives through targeted policies. These policies create a robust ecosystem, fostering numerous opportunities that encourage continued innovation and development in clean energy technologies.

Interviewer: Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in energy and engineering. What strategies do you believe can help bridge the gender gap and encourage more women to enter and thrive in the industry?

Dr. Halawani: From my personal experience throughout my BSc, MSc, and PhD studies in engineering here in the UAE, I’ve witnessed an encouraging trend where the number of female students was often equal to or sometimes even exceeded the number of male peers. This growth in female participation reflects the positive shift in the presence of women in engineering and other STEM-related fields.

To further bridge the gender gap and support the rise of more women in the field, we need to continue fostering environments where women feel supported and empowered. One approach could be to highlight the success stories of women excelling in engineering and STEM, specifically targeting school students. These stories can emphasize how diverse and accessible these careers are. Additionally, outreach programs that offer hands-on experiences with energy projects, robotics, or tech-driven environmental solutions could spark curiosity and inspire young girls to explore these fields. 

We should also encourage women-focused initiatives similar to QUWA: Women in Research Forum that awards research grants to selected research projects led by females. Moreover, Masdar, one of the world’s fastest growing renewable energy companies and a green hydrogen leader in the UAE, offers a year-long program to support Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) to reach their potential through leadership training and mentorship. I take pride in having been awarded a QUWA research grant and had the opportunity to participate in the WiSER Pioneers Program.

While it's essential to focus on empowering women in the energy sector, it's also important to remember the collaborative role that our male colleagues play in this journey. The support from male peers, whether through mentorship or working together in interdisciplinary teams, is vital for accelerating progress in the field.

Interviewer: What is one piece of advice you would give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in energy and technology?

Dr. Halawani: My advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles stands on three core pillars: continuous learning, engaging in a supportive community, and taking a leap of faith. 
 

Yasmin Halawani is one of the speakers at the 49th Middle East Energy, happening from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 

The event, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, convenes leading energy experts, innovators, and key players from around the globe to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and shape the future of energy. It’s a premier international trade event for the power industry, covering various topics, such as energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage. Register now!