The young Emirati AI innovator on educating children, responsible technology and giving youth a voice in the future of artificial intelligence.
AlDhabi AlMheiri, a 12-year-old Emirati innovator and “the youngest certified AI engineer from IBM in the world,” has never been one to settle for accomplishment.
Since publishing her first book at the age of seven, her passion for knowledge has led her beyond writing. Today, having transitioned into the field of artificial intelligence, she focuses on educating and empowering children, driven by her belief that the generation growing up with this technology needs to understand and use it responsibly, rather than simply consume it.
In an exclusive interview with Annahar, AlMheiri shares her vision for artificial intelligence and its role in children’s education, along with her new experience on the “AI Youth Advisory Board” and the role of youth in shaping the future of technology.
Emirati AlDhabi AlMheiri and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Who is AlDhabi AlMheiri today, and how did you transition from a young author to an engineer and educator in AI?
When I published my first book at the age of seven, my dream was to encourage children to read, write, and believe in themselves. Today, I want to help them understand future technologies and give them the confidence to become innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
That’s why I founded initiatives such as “Rainbow Chimney,” “AI Learning Academy,” “Eco Club,” and “Books from Children to Children,” which have reached children in more than 10 countries, while my educational work and stories have inspired learning experiences in more than 1,500 schools in the UK.
As one of the youngest columnists in the world, I also believe that every article I publish has the potential to shape ideas and influence my generation.
Why do you believe AI education should begin in childhood, rather than just using its tools?
Children today grow up with AI. Whether they realize it or not, they interact with AI almost every day. The real question is no longer whether children should learn AI, but whether we are preparing them to understand it responsibly.
One of the most significant milestones in my personal journey was participating in the “AI Engineer” program supported by the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation,” in collaboration with the “United Nations Development Programme” (UNDP). This opportunity deepened my knowledge in the field of AI, ultimately earning me international recognition as the youngest certified AI engineer from IBM in the world.
You recently joined the “AI Youth Advisory Board” at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence; what does it mean to you for youth to have a role in shaping the future of AI?
Youth will live with AI longer than any previous generation. That’s why I believe children and young people should have a voice in shaping the technologies they will grow up using.
My selection to join the “AI Youth Advisory Board” at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence is a great honor, but more importantly, it’s a responsibility.
I hope to represent children’s perspectives and remind people that youth voices are not just the voices of the future; they are contributing today.
To read the full interview, visit the "Live UAE" site.
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