By Dona Paranayil
Fatima Al Kaabi, an inspiring innovator from Sharjah, UAE, was the youngest speaker at the World Government Summit 2017, where she was invited to join a panel discussion titled ‘Innovation Belongs To Our Youth’.
The 15-year-old teenager who aspires to become the UAE youth minister has amazed the world by inventing a solar bag for trekkers, a braille printer, an Emirati robot and a robot photographer.
She has received several awards. At the age of 13, she was invited to speak at the Tedx platform. It is quite interesting to know that she carries a screw-driver in her bag in case of emergencies.
Saudi Gazette caught up with her for an exclusive interview.
SG: When did you first realize your potential to innovate? When and what did you first invent?
FK: My parents first found this potential in me back when I was 7 years old and I came up with my first invention — the photographer robot — when I was 10 years of age in 2012.
SG: You seem to be a very cool person. Where do you get your courage from? Do you have any fears in life?
FK: Thanks! I am encouraged to do this when I see the results of my work , when I see my leaders proud of me and especially when I see students influenced by my work as I really want to impact people’s lives. Everything is on Allah and I’m not worried about anything.
SG: Why do you think it is important to invent something? Is it important to innovate in technology in this era and in the future?
FK: We don’t need everyone to invent but we need everyone to be innovative to manage to live in a very innovative society. Technology is the future. We need to innovate a lot in that era and also not ignore the others.
SG: Is it easy to become an innovator or succeed in life? Does education play a crucial role? What are your thoughts?
FK: I don’t think it’s easy because I still haven’t succeeded in life and I think I have a lot to learn. I may be an innovator but a really small one because being called an innovator requires a lot of experience. Education plays a big role when it comes to researching your project or proving it scientifically and theories help too.
SG: Can you share your experience at the World Government Summit 2017? How did you feel being the youngest speaker?
FK: It was an unforgettable experience. Back in 2016, I sat with my mother during the summit and told her, “I’m planning to be on that stage one day, maybe not next year, but soon inshAllah” and it happened and I still can’t believe it. It was a dream come true. I got the chance to speak at many events but the WGS was very different. Being the youngest was hard but I managed to understand what’s going around me.
SG: Has the publicity and the awards that you received so far changed you in any way or given you a platform for more opportunities? Meanwhile, did you meet anyone in particular that inspires you until today?
FK: It does, it really does. More opportunities but publicity isn’t my target from the beginning but it happened and about the awards, I’m either nominated or I apply for the sake of learning and experience. I have a long list starting with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to HE Shammah Al Mazrui.
SG: What inspires you to become the UAE youth minister? Do you have a role model?
FK: As I said, HE Shammah Al Mazrui really showed us what a minister should look like, especially a youth minister. I want to impact and improve the youth when I grow up. I believe that the youth have enough energy to change the world; they just need someone to put them in the right environment and support them to work and that is what Her Excellency is doing and what I want to do.
SG: Would you recommend the UAE government model to the administrations around the world? If yes, why?
FK: Of course! The UAE created an amazing government in just 45 years and it really invested in their citizens so why not. The UAE is proving to the world that wealth and long history have nothing to do with your success.
SG: What are your future plans? Do you have any new projects coming up?
FK: I want my projects to get to a good level and I hope they become products in the market inshAllah. I just announced two new projects two months ago and I’m still planning for future projects.
SG: Can you talk about the support from your family, friends and teachers?
FK: My family supported me from day one. They were there the whole time and they still are. I would like to thank them for their support and I would like them to excuse me for all the carpets and furniture I burned with my tools at home (sorry). My friends really support me when it comes to motivation and ideas and my teachers also support me in what I’m doing so they also give me ideas and suggestions.
SG: There are many youth and adults who tend to give up on something after a try, or who are discouraged in life. What advice do you have for them?
FK: As I said during the summit, work for a bigger cause. I work to change lives and that drives me to work when I’m this close to giving up. So find your cause and don’t give up.
