Six Arab Women Scientists Honoured in Dubai

Six Researchers Honoured at the L’Oréal-UNESCO Programme

Six Arab women scientists have been recognised at the 13th edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Program in Dubai. The awards, announced at an event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, according to the supplied report, recognise research addressing major challenges in healthcare, water security and sustainable development. The awardees represent Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar. They include three PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers.

Programme Supports Arab Women in Science

Since its regional launch in 2014, the programme has supported 69 female Arab researchers with more than €1 million in endowments, according to the report. The initiative aims to recognise scientific talent, increase the visibility of women researchers and help them access opportunities and professional networks. UNESCO figures cited in the report indicate that women account for 41 per cent of researchers in Arab countries, above the global average.

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Research Focuses on Safer Medical Imaging and Personalised Treatments

Saudi PhD student Alaa Mansour Al-Mushaikeh is developing hybrid glass scintillators designed to improve X-ray imaging. The materials could help produce more precise images while reducing radiation exposure, particularly for patients who require repeated examinations. Emirati researcher Jawaher Al-Hammadi is developing cell membrane models using extracellular vesicles to support disease research and treatment testing. In the future, this work could contribute to personalised medicine by helping researchers investigate how different patients respond to treatments.

New Research Aims to Prepare for Emerging Viruses

Qatari PhD student Hadeel Tarik Zedan is researching an intranasal antiviral treatment based on RNA interference and lipid nanoparticles. Her work aims to target coronaviruses and other emerging respiratory viruses, potentially complementing existing vaccines. Saudi postdoctoral researcher Dr Aljawharah Al-Rubayyi studies immune responses to viral infections. Her research seeks to identify targets that could guide the development of vaccines and immunotherapies designed to provide broader and longer-lasting protection. These projects focus on improving preparedness for future infectious disease threats.

UAE Researcher Explores New Ways to Harvest Water

UAE researcher Dr Marieh Bassam Al-Handawi is investigating ways to collect water from the atmosphere by drawing inspiration from desert plants. Her research combines desert flora with crystals and hydrogels to explore methods that could require relatively little energy. Such approaches could complement existing water solutions in regions facing water stress. The researcher also highlights the wider social impact of water scarcity, particularly when collecting household water limits women's and girls' access to education and employment.

Omani Scientist Studies Wastewater Treatment and Carbon Recovery

Omani researcher Dr Sara Al-Araimi is exploring bioelectrochemical systems that treat wastewater while supporting the recovery and use of carbon dioxide. The systems combine bacteria, which help break down organic pollutants, with microalgae that use carbon dioxide, light and nutrients to produce biomass containing potentially valuable compounds. Alongside her research, Al-Araimi aims to support the next generation of women scientists by training a young female research assistant and sharing scientific knowledge.

International Programme Promotes Women's Scientific Leadership

The six awardees were selected by an 11-member jury of scientists and academics from across the Middle East, chaired by Professor Marie Abboud of Saint Joseph University in Beirut. UAE Minister of Education Sarah Al-Amiri and UNESCO representatives highlighted the importance of creating pathways that help young researchers move from education into research and practical applications. Launched internationally in 1998 by the Fondation L’Oréal in partnership with UNESCO, the wider For Women in Science programme has supported more than 5,000 researchers in over 140 countries, including seven Nobel Prize winners, according to the report. The six projects demonstrate how research led by Arab women could contribute to advances in medicine, public health, water security and environmental protection.