About this Event
Women in Data Science (WiDS) is a global effort that strives to inspire and educate data scientists of all genders, while supporting women in the field.
As part of the annual WiDS Worldwide initiative, Women in Data Science (WiDS) UAE 2026 will be organised independently at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Globally, the conference showcases outstanding women doing exceptional work in data science, and WiDS UAE 2026 is no exception.
WiDS UAE 2026 is a free, full-day technical conference open to anyone interested in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and their real-world applications. The event is designed to inspire and inform attendees, support women in the profession, and provide valuable insight into the latest developments and practical uses of data science across a range of sectors.
Bringing together speakers and panelists from academia, industry, and government, the conference will explore topics and applications in areas such as education, healthcare, transport, and the environment. It also offers a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and celebrating the contributions of women in data science.
Registration is free.
Register to reserve one of the limited seats to attend the conference. Registration includes access to all sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities.
If you have registered to attend online, the link to attend the conference online will be emailed prior to the event.
NB: Parking is free.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Opening
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
Keynote: The Lifecycle of a Data Point: From Creation to AI Insight
Host: Areej Essa
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote: TBC
Host: Alice Wanjohi
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:10 AM
Panel: Data Science and AI Careers in Flux
Host: Mary Alshihani
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM
Networking Break
🕑: 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Fireside Chat: Engineering Working with Data Science
Host: Layla Sultan
🕑: 11:45 AM - 11:50 AM
Lightning Talk: AeroGnosis: An AI-Enhanced UAV System for Aircraft Inspections
Host: Maitha Adel
🕑: 11:50 AM - 11:55 AM
Lightning Talk: TBC
Host: Alaa Almoiz
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:05 PM
Presentation: Healthy Ageing
Host: Nikita Naik
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
Presentation: Bias in Healthcare
Host: Nour Aburaed
🕑: 12:20 PM - 12:35 PM
Presentation: From Data Chaos to Data Intelligence: The Real Data Pipeline
Host: Fadwa Al Loubani
🕑: 12:35 PM - 12:55 PM
Keynote: TBC
Host: Khawla Al Zarooni
🕑: 12:55 PM - 01:55 PM
Networking Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Keynote: TBC
Host: Iman Khowailed
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:50 PM
Panel: Healthcare and Academia
Host: Fadwa Al Loubani
Info: Iman Khowailed, Nikita Nair
🕑: 02:50 PM - 02:55 PM
Lightning Talk: Estimating Fetal PCB levels: A Machine Learning Approach
Host: Dana Alyasin
🕑: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PM
Panel: Data Science and AI Perspectives from the Global South
Host: Alaa Almoiz
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:35 PM
Lightning Talk: End-to-End, LLM-Driven, 3D Printable, Robotic Prosthetic Hand
Host: Fathima Zahra
🕑: 03:35 PM - 03:40 PM
Lightning Talk: Deep learning approaches for ASL recognition
Host: Gauri Ravankar
🕑: 03:40 PM - 03:45 PM
Lightning Talk: Shahrazad: A Hybrid Arabic Book Recommendation System
Host: Mary Alshihani
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:15 PM
Closing and Networking with coffee and cake
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Heriot Watt University, Knowledge Village Main Gate 2 - Al SufouhDubai Knowledge Park - Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
USD 0.00
