A Journey of Curiosity and Inspiration
Sanaa Kaddoura, an Associate Professor in the College of Technological Innovation at Zayed University, is a trailblazer in the field of Computer Science. Her journey into academia was driven by a deep curiosity about technology and its transformative potential. From an early age, she was fascinated by problem-solving and logical thinking, which naturally led her to pursue Computer Science.
“My journey into academia was fueled by a deep curiosity about technology and its transformative potential,” Kaddoura reflects. Her passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity grew during her studies, recognizing their growing impact on society. This passion, combined with her drive to contribute to knowledge and mentor future innovators, motivated her to pursue a Ph.D. and transition into academia.
Today, as an associate professor, Kaddoura is committed to advancing research in AI, cybersecurity, and Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP) while inspiring the next generation of tech leaders. Her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of fostering a love for technology.
Overcoming Challenges in STEM
As a woman in STEM, Kaddoura has navigated various challenges, from breaking barriers in leadership to demonstrating her expertise in a competitive and evolving field. With fewer women in leadership roles, envisioning career growth can be complex, and introducing innovative ideas often requires overcoming resistance to change. “Early in my career, I encountered skepticism, but I turned these challenges into motivation,” she shares. Kaddoura’s resilience, continuous skill enhancement, and strong research portfolio have been key to overcoming these obstacles.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Kaddoura’s journey in STEM. Committed to fostering growth and inclusivity, she has actively mentored aspiring women in tech, providing guidance and inspiration to help them navigate their own paths to success. By fostering inclusivity, contributing to impactful research, and earning leadership roles, Kaddoura strives to break barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
As an Associate Professor at Zayed University, Kaddoura inspires and mentors the next generation of tech leaders by actively engaging students in research projects in machine learning, NLP, and quantum computing. She encourages master’s and senior project students to contribute to cutting-edge research, guiding them from ideation to publication.
“Many of my students have co-authored research papers with me, and I continue to mentor them even after graduation, supporting their academic and professional growth,” Kaddoura explains. By fostering a research-driven mindset, she equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the evolving tech landscape.
Leadership Principles for Lasting Impact
Kaddoura follows leadership principles rooted in innovation, mentorship, and inclusivity to create a lasting impact in education and technology. She believes in leading by example, staying at the forefront of AI, NLP, and cybersecurity research while inspiring students and colleagues to push boundaries.
“Collaboration is key; I foster interdisciplinary research and mentor aspiring tech leaders beyond graduation,” she emphasizes. Kaddoura advocates for inclusivity, encouraging more women in STEM and ensuring equitable opportunities. By integrating research into education, emphasizing ethical AI, and driving technological advancements, she aims to shape future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the evolving digital landscape.
Pioneering Research and Innovation
Kaddoura’s expertise in Computer Science is remarkable, with key research areas that have significant potential impact. Her research focuses on Arabic NLP, where she is passionate about building public Arabic datasets and developing AI models that enhance Arabic language processing. “I actively contribute to open research by making my datasets and codes publicly available, supporting other researchers in advancing the field,” she says.
Additionally, Kaddoura works on social security, employing machine learning and NLP techniques to classify inappropriate content, such as spam and cyberbullying on social media. By addressing these challenges, her research not only advances Arabic AI capabilities but also fosters safer digital spaces, contributing to both technological innovation and social well-being.
Shaping the Future of Education with AI and Machine Learning
Kaddoura sees emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning revolutionizing education by enabling personalized learning, automating administrative tasks, and enhancing student engagement. “Adaptive learning platforms tailor content to individual needs, improving comprehension and retention,” she explains. AI-powered tools provide instant feedback, helping educators track progress and identify learning gaps.
In research, AI accelerates knowledge discovery, fostering innovation. “As these technologies evolve, they will bridge educational disparities, making quality learning accessible to all,” Kaddoura notes. She advocates for integrating AI ethically in education, ensuring it complements human instructors while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Advancing Gender Diversity in STEM
Women in tech continue to break barriers, and Kaddoura offers valuable advice to young women aspiring to enter the field of Computer Science. “Be confident, persistent, and fearless in pursuing your goals,” she advises. Technology is an ever-evolving field that thrives on innovation, and women’s contributions are essential.
Kaddoura emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors, building a strong network, and gaining hands-on experience through research, coding projects, and internships. “Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and continuously upskill in AI, cybersecurity, and NLP,” she encourages. Her message to young women is clear: believe in your capabilities and break stereotypes, as the tech industry needs diverse perspectives.
Institutions and industries also have a role to play in fostering gender diversity in STEM. Kaddoura advocates for creating inclusive policies, offering scholarships, and establishing mentorship programs for women. “Encouraging early exposure to STEM through school initiatives can spark interest in young girls,” she notes. Supporting female researchers with funding and leadership opportunities and implementing unbiased hiring practices are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality in STEM.
Vision for Future Projects and Legacy
Looking ahead, Kaddoura is focused on advancing Arabic NLP by developing new datasets and tools that enhance Arabic language processing and support open research. “My goal is to bridge the gap in Arabic AI resources, making them more accessible to researchers and developers,” she shares. Additionally, she is exploring the potential of quantum computing and its applications in Arabic NLP, aiming to investigate how quantum algorithms can enhance language processing tasks.
Kaddoura aspires to leave a legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and knowledge-sharing in the UAE’s academic landscape. As an educator, she hopes to inspire students to embrace AI and Arabic NLP, equipping them with skills to drive technological advancements. As a researcher, she aims to enrich Arabic NLP with open-source datasets and tools, fostering global collaboration. As a mentor, she strives to empower aspiring researchers, especially women, guiding them beyond graduation.
Recognized Among UAE’s Most Admired Women Leaders
Being recognized as one of “UAE’s Most Admired Women Leaders to Follow in 2025” is a tremendous honor for Kaddoura. “It symbolizes the impact of my efforts in advancing Arabic NLP, AI, and cybersecurity while inspiring the next generation of tech leaders,” she says. This recognition motivates her to continue breaking barriers, fostering gender diversity in STEM, and contributing to the UAE’s vision for technological innovation.
“It serves as a testament that dedication and perseverance can drive meaningful change, encouraging aspiring women to pursue leadership roles in technology and academia,” Kaddoura reflects. Her journey and achievements are an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence.
Message to Aspiring Leaders and Changemakers
To aspiring leaders and changemakers, Kaddoura’s message is simple: believe in your vision, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. “Leadership is not about titles but about impact—driving change, inspiring others, and creating opportunities for growth,” she emphasizes. Stay resilient, seek mentorship, and uplift those around you. Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, so challenge norms and push boundaries.
Kaddoura’s words resonate with aspiring leaders, encouraging them to stay committed, stay curious, and lead with passion to make a lasting difference in the world. Her journey and achievements serve as a powerful reminder that with dedication and perseverance, one can achieve greatness and inspire others along the way.