Dr Maheen Hasib, Global Programme Director for BSc Data Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are no longer distant or experimental ideas. They quietly sit behind many of the decisions that shape our everyday lives: how patients are diagnosed, how job applications are filtered, how loans are approved etc. These systems increasingly influence who gets opportunities and who does not. That reality makes one question impossible to ignore: who is building the algorithms that shape our future?

As a Programme Director for the Data Sciences programme at Heriot-Watt University, this question is not just academic for me, it is deeply personal. Every year, I meet capable, curious, and motivated young women who are genuinely interested in data science. Yet many hesitate. Not because they lack ability, but because they are unsure whether they truly belong in the field. Too often, they do not see people (like themselves) reflected in AI research, technical teams, or leadership roles. And that absence matters.

When bias in AI feels uncomfortably familiar

AI systems are often described as objective or neutral, yet they are trained in data shaped by human history, something that is far from neutral. When training data reflects existing gender imbalances, AI systems can replicate and even magnify those patterns. This has led to technologies that perform less accurately for women, fail to capture women’s health needs, or disadvantage women in recruitment and evaluation processes.

For many women, these outcomes feel uncomfortably familiar. They echo everyday experiences of being overlooked, misunderstood, or underrepresented. In most cases, this is not the result of deliberate exclusion. It is the consequence of design choices made without diverse perspectives at the table.

Why representation goes beyond numbers

Representation in AI and data science is often discussed in terms of statistics or diversity targets. But at its core, representation is about perspective. When women are involved in developing AI systems, they help shape how problems are defined, what data are considered relevant, and which risks are taken seriously.

From an academic perspective, diverse teams produce more robust research and better-tested models. From a human perspective, they help ensure that AI systems work for the full range of people they are meant to serve. Inclusion improves both technical quality and social impact, it strengthens the science and the society it serves.

Women and the future of ethical AI

Many women working in AI are already at the forefront of discussions around fairness, transparency, explainability, and responsible data use. These are not peripheral concerns; they are central to building trustworthy AI. Ethical AI requires asking difficult questions: Who might be harmed when a system fails? Whose data is missing? Who is affected by design decisions that seem minor on the surface?

By advocating for human-centered approaches, women in AI are helping shift the field beyond purely performance-driven metrics toward systems that balance innovation with responsibility.

Education, encouragement, and visibility matter

At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, we make a deliberate effort to encourage women to pursue data science, not just as a degree, but as a long-term career. This means creating supportive learning environments, highlighting female role models, and openly discussing the wide range of paths that data science can lead to. Students need to see that success in AI does not follow a single template.

Equally important are spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and feel supported. As an ambassador for Women in Data Science, I have seen how such events play a vital role. They create visibility, build confidence, and remind women that they are not alone. We need more of these initiatives, not as one-off celebrations, but as sustained platforms for mentorship, networking, and growth.

Encouraging women in AI is not about lowering standards or meeting quotas. It is about recognizing that inclusive participation leads to better research, more ethical technologies, and systems that genuinely reflect the societies they shape.

Conclusion

As AI and data science continue to influence our world, we must ask not only what these systems do, but who designs them. Supporting women to study data science, pursue AI careers, and step into leadership roles is essential to building technologies that are fair, responsible, and trustworthy. Through education, visibility, and initiatives, we can help ensure that the future of AI is shaped by many voices.

The future of AI should be one where women do not simply use technology but actively shape it.

It has been two years since the debut of the original HUAWEI FreeClip, Huawei’s first-ever open earbuds that took the market by storm. Its massive popularity proved that the world was ready for a new kind of listening experience. The new HUAWEI FreeClip 2 tackles the hard challenges of open-ear acoustics physics head-on, combining a powerful dual-diaphragm driver with computational audio. It delivers depth and clarity, which was once thought impossible with an open-ear design.

Solving the acoustic limitations of open-ear audio alone would have been sufficient to make the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 our pick for best open-ear audio. But it is way more than that.

Comfortable C-Bridge design

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds weigh only 5.1 g per bud, a 9% reduction from the previous generation. This lightweight architecture ensures an effortless experience, perfect for long calls, workouts, and commutes, allowing you to wear them all day without fatigue. The comfort bean is 11% smaller than the previous model, yet the design provides a secure fit that prevents the earbuds from falling out, even during intense activity.

Constructed from a new skin-friendly liquid silicone and a shape-memory alloy, the C-bridge is 25% softer and significantly more flexible than its predecessor. Finished with a fine, textured surface, it ensures a comfortable, irritation-free wearing even after extended use.

Adaptive open-ear listening

The acoustic system has been significantly upgraded, featuring a dual-diaphragm driver and a multi-mic call noise cancellation system. This setup not only delivers powerful sound but also maximises space efficiency. That’s why, despite their small size, these earbuds can deliver substantial acoustic performance.

The Open-fit design of the earbuds demands high computing power to maintain sound quality and call clarity. The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 offers ten times the processing power of the previous generation, serving as Huawei’s first earbuds to feature an NPU AI processor for a truly adaptive experience. The new dual-diaphragm driver includes a single dynamic driver with two diaphragms, effectively doubling the sound output within a compact space to provide a significant boost in volume and bass response.

Furthermore, the earbuds dynamically detect surrounding noise and adjust volume and voice levels in real-time. If the environment is too noisy, the system uses adaptive voice enhancement to specifically boost human frequencies, ensuring you never miss a word of a podcast or audiobook. When you return to a quiet environment, the earbuds automatically settle back to a comfortable volume level.

Crystal clear calls

To ensure call quality in chaotic environments, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 utilises a three-mic system combined with multi-channel DNN (Deep Neural Network) noise cancellation algorithms. This system intelligently identifies and filters out ambient noise. Thanks to the NPU AI processor, the earbuds automatically enhance voice clarity, ensuring your conversations remain crisp regardless of your surroundings.

Battery life and charging

With the charging case, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 offers a total battery life of 38 hours, allowing users to enjoy music throughout a full week of commuting on a single charge. On their own, the earbuds last for 9 hours—enough for a full workday of uninterrupted calls. For those in a rush, just 10 minutes of fast charging in the case provides up to 3 hours of playback. For added convenience, they support wireless charging and are compatible with watch chargers.

Rated IP57, the earbuds are resistant to sweat and water. They can easily withstand intense workouts or even a downpour.

Connectivity

The earbuds support dual connections and seamless auto-switching across iOS, Android, and Windows. When connected to EMUI devices, you can even switch audio between more than two devices. Additionally, when connected to a PC, the earbuds allow you to answer an incoming call without disconnecting from or interrupting your conference setup.

It is, quite simply, a pair of earphones reliable enough for the gym, the office, and the commute.

In the vibrant heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are orchestrating a digital revolution that extends far beyond the realm of gaming – it’s an unfolding narrative that captivates enthusiasts and resonates with governments, heralding an era of unparalleled cultural and economic transformation.

According to the revelatory Game Changer report by the Boston Consulting Group, an astonishing 60% of the Middle East’s population proudly identifies as gaming enthusiasts, effortlessly surpassing the global average of 40%. This statistic isn’t just a numerical anomaly; it’s a testament to a cultural renaissance that is reshaping the narrative of the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Mobile Gaming Odyssey

Leading this transformative charge is Saudi Arabia, contributing a formidable 45% to the region’s gaming sector, boasting a valuation of a staggering $1.8 billion. The kingdom has pivoted decisively towards mobile gaming, which now constitutes an imposing 65% of market revenue. In a strategic symphony, Saudi Arabia unfurls its National Gaming and Esports Strategy, envisaging the development of 30 games and the creation of a colossal 40,000 jobs by 2030.

The Saudi Esports Federation, a linchpin in this narrative, infuses vitality with a generous funding injection of $488 million. This commitment goes beyond mere investment; it signifies the cultivation of an ecosystem for innovation and employment on an unprecedented scale. The appointment of Prince Faisal bin Bandar, the federation’s president, as the vice president of the Global Esports Federation adds a royal stamp to this gaming renaissance.

UAE’s Ascent to Global Gaming Prominence

Simultaneously, the UAE crafts its own narrative on the global gaming stage. Abu Dhabi Gaming and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre’s Gaming Centre roll out enticing incentives, beckoning global gaming behemoths like Ubisoft and Tencent to establish their regional headquarters. Dubai’s ambition reverberates through the halls of power with the launch of a groundbreaking gaming program, envisioning the creation of 30,000 jobs in the next decade and aspiring to secure a spot among the top ten gaming cities globally.

Dubai’s Programme for Gaming isn’t just a blueprint; it’s a manifesto for economic transformation, seeking to bolster the industry’s GDP contribution by nearly $1 billion by 2023. The stakes are high, the ambition boundless, as the UAE positions itself not just as a regional hub but as a global force in the gaming industry.

Hub of Innovation

At the heart of this transformation are players like Gamers Hub Middle East, Power League Gaming, Calyx, and Game Centric. Their efforts go beyond building platforms and are shaping how gaming is created, experienced, and scaled across the region.

As the Middle East embraces gaming and gamification, it’s not just about creating an industry; it’s about sculpting an identity, a future where gaming is the pulse of innovation, a driving force propelling economies and cultures into uncharted territories.

The Middle East isn’t merely a market; it’s an arena where the convergence of technology, culture, and ambition is scripting a saga that resonates far beyond the gaming realm, heralding a bold leap into the future.

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