With over 27 years of experience in public and private education, Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi is an authority in her field and a strategic advisor at the UAE-based edtech Alef Education. “My vision centers around reshaping education by integrating new technology, data analytics, and pedagogy to redefine teaching and learning experiences across K-12 education,” she tells us.  

Al Yammahi, who previously served as the director of the UAE’s National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science at UNESCO, believes that having an educated society that works together is key for advancement. At Alef Education, she spearheaded the rollout of the edtech learning platform across public schools in Abu Dhabi, offering students personalized learning solutions. “Under my guidance, Alef Education has emerged as a leading provider of personalized learning solutions that leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML), augmented reality, virtual reality, metaverse, big data analytics, and adaptive learning platforms,” she says. Her experience and strategic guidance have won Alef Education several awards, including the platinum award at the Global ESG Awards, the best education and awareness program at the Global ESG Awards, the best STEM instructional solution for grades PK-8 at the SIIA CODiE Awards 2023, as well as two accolades at the Cybersecurity Awards in 2023.  

Al Yammahi is well-versed in the importance of new technology and its influence on education and has conducted extensive research on how AI-powered digital education platforms impact student learning and teaching methods in Abu Dhabi schools. Today, she continues to tackle challenges and resistance to change within the sector.  

“One of the most difficult challenges I encountered was resistance to change and innovation within the educational sector. Educators and academic institutions have often been reluctant to change despite efforts to promote technology,” she says.  

To counter the reluctance and hesitancy of educators toward AI in the classroom, Al Yammahi adopted a comprehensive approach that underscores the importance of relationship-building and open communication. This enabled open dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust, allowing stakeholders to work together for the greater good.  

As a result of her consistent efforts, Alef Education began to offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to leverage technology tools in their classrooms. Through the Alef Academy, several schools have benefited from self-paced courses, reliable resources to improve their knowledge base, best practices in digital instruction, as well as practical strategies to aid the digital transformation within the education sector–a crucial element for every successful society, according to Al Yammahi. “Education holds the key to empowering societies and unlocking their full potential, which is why I am committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all through initiatives such as those undertaken by Alef Education,” she says.  

Celebrating milestones along the way, Al Yammahi strategically incorporates success stories of technology integration into her campaigns to motivate teams inside and outside the organization. Showcasing the effectiveness of a tailored approach to enhance academic achievements, she continues to be an inspirational voice to educators and educational institutions where they are better equipped to address the diverse learning needs of students.  

As the first Emirati to attain a PhD in artificial intelligence research, Al Yammahi is passionate about empowering educators with practical tools for instruction and assessment. By teaching the teachers, her leadership model looks to empower, enable, and support educators. “Leadership is not about giving direction but having the ability to inspire and influence others towards a shared vision while empowering them to reach their full potential,” she says. Rooted in integrity, empathy, and effective communication, she leads by example and with conviction in a far-reaching vision. “In my role, I demonstrate leadership by fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and motivated,” she says.  

 Over the next five to 10 years, Al Yammahi aims to help the UAE advance as a global hub of innovation, sustainability, and prosperity, particularly through technology-driven advancements in the education sector.  

“I aim to foster empathy and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the importance of nurturing, well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.” Al Yammahi couples practical experience with theoretical knowledge to devise novel solutions to complex problems–an approach that has contributed to her success. In the future, she plans on establishing eco-friendly programs and developing AI-based solutions to enhance personalized learning experiences for students, globally. 

A strong believer in advocacy, Al Yammahi uses her personal social media accounts to raise awareness about the importance of education, including effective learning strategies, career advancement, and the social impact of education to motivate and empower youth.  

Al Yammahi is also a strong advocate for sustainability and she uses her platforms to raise awareness about the importance of integrating sustainability into all facets of the education process to cultivate student awareness and responsibility.  

Under her guidance and leadership, Alef Education has collaborated with the UAE Ministry of Education, in a partnership for education at Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and the Carbon Literacy Project, to offer the EcoChamps Program in June last year. The initiative aimed to reach students nationwide in grades five to eight, helping to raise awareness, attention, and responsibility about climate change, and embedding sustainable practices for them to adopt in their lives.