Professor and graduate underline role of female changemakers in achieving 2031 vision

28th August 2024, Dubai, UAE: As the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Associate Professor, Dr. Naseem Abdulla, and Environmental Health Management graduate, Maisa Alzayyani, exemplify the crucial role that females in the public sector have to play in achieving the vision ‘We the UAE 2031’. As Acting CEO of EHS and Director of the Health & Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, Dr. Abdulla is inspiring emerging women leaders like Alzayyani, as they work cohesively to enhance the public health of the city and build a sustainable future inspired by the national vision.

Dr. Naseem Abdulla, Associate Professor, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) and Director of the Health and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, Acting CEO of Emirates Health Services

With a career spanning over 17 years at Dubai Municipality, Dr. Abdulla recognizes the importance of integrating academic insights into practical applications within the public sector. An influential figure in both government and academia within the UAE ecosystem, Dr. Abdulla says this synergy has been instrumental in her current roles, as a department director and Acting CEO of the EHS Agency. She explains, “My experience as an Associate Professor at CUD has been invaluable in shaping my approach to public service and leadership, equipping me with the skills and perspectives necessary to drive positive change in our communities.  Through academia, I’ve sharpened my critical thinking and research abilities. Publishing in scientific journals has allowed me to contribute to the field’s knowledge base while also informing my own decision-making in practice.”

Maisa Alzayyani, Environmental Health Management graduate, Candian University Dubai