Abir Bent Shurki: Trailblazer for Saudi Women in Clean Energy, Academic Excellence

Leaders

16-04-2025

Interviewed by: Fatima Suleiman
Abir Bent Shurki Al-Anzi, the first Saudi woman to make significant strides in clean energy research, has shattered barriers in both academia and the professional world. From balancing motherhood with education to pursuing a pioneering PhD in clean energy in the U.S., Abir's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about the challenges she faced, her triumphs, and how her work aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030.
Q: Abir, tell us about your educational journey. How did it all begin?
A:
My journey began at a very young age, shaped by my responsibilities as the eldest daughter in a family of eight. I was often the one to help raise my younger siblings, and this experience taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and responsibility. However, my educational path took a pause after I got married at 15 and became a mother. After a few years, with the unwavering support of my father and husband, I decided to return to education. It was a decision that defined the rest of my life.
Q: How did your ambitions evolve during those early years?
A:
Even as a child, I was always eager to learn. But it was during high school when I realized that I had a deep interest in geography. One of my teachers, Mrs. Salwa Al-Sarhan, recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue cartography. She saw something in me that I hadn't fully realized, and her words pushed me to not only excel in my studies but also to pursue a future in this field.
Q: Balancing motherhood and education must have been challenging. How did you manage?
A:
It certainly wasn't easy. Raising children and managing a household while trying to pursue an education required tremendous support, especially from my mother, who stepped in to care for my children. Being a part-time student while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother was difficult, but my dream of earning my diploma kept me motivated. Despite the odds, I graduated with excellent marks, proving to myself that with enough determination, I could achieve my goals.
Q: What role did higher education play in your success?
A:
Higher education was a critical turning point for me. After completing my high school diploma, I enrolled at King Saud University to pursue a Master's degree in geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It wasn't easy to gain acceptance into the competitive program, but I did, and I graduated with honors. My thesis focused on cartographic communication, which was the foundation for my future academic work. This experience solidified my belief that hard work and persistence could open doors to opportunities.
Q: After your studies, how did you transition into the communications field?
A:
After completing my Master's degree, I began working with Saudi Telecom Company (STC). I was the only employee there with a Master's degree, which led to my promotion. I served as a senior customer service supervisor, and the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Working at STC allowed me to expand my professional skills and set the stage for my future academic and career pursuits.
Q: You later had the chance to study abroad in the U.S. What was that experience like?
A:
Studying abroad in the U.S. was a dream come true. I was awarded a scholarship to pursue a PhD in clean energy at the University of Michigan. This opportunity, which came through King Saud University, changed my life. The transition was challenging, especially during the global pandemic, which led me to return to Saudi Arabia. However, I applied to multiple prestigious U.S. institutions and eventually earned admission to the University of Michigan, where I continue my research today.
Q: What challenges did you encounter while studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?
A:
The pandemic posed the biggest challenge, as it disrupted my plans and forced me to leave the U.S. earlier than expected. But rather than giving up, I applied to universities like the University of Texas and the University of Michigan, and I succeeded in passing all required exams. These setbacks taught me the power of resilience and adaptability, and I kept pushing forward to finish what I had started.
Q: How has the empowerment of Saudi women influenced your journey?
A:
The empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia has been a game-changer. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in supporting women's education and professional development. Initiatives like scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. I wouldn't have reached where I am today without the support of these efforts.
Q: What does 'empowerment' mean to you personally?
A:
For me, empowerment is about enabling women to pursue their dreams without barriers. In Saudi Arabia, women now have the freedom to chase careers, engage in entrepreneurship, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. We have a growing presence in every sector, from engineering and technology to business and education. Empowerment is about providing the tools and the opportunities for women to succeed, and it's a movement that I'm proud to be a part of.
Q: Can you tell us more about your PhD research in clean energy and its significance for Saudi Arabia?
A:
My research focuses on clean energy technologies, which align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to reduce the country's dependency on oil and increase renewable energy usage. I'm researching sustainable energy solutions that will support the Kingdom's long-term objectives for a greener, more sustainable future. I am dedicated to finding innovative solutions that will not only benefit Saudi Arabia but also contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Q: What advice would you give to young Saudi women who want to follow in your footsteps?
A:
My advice is simple: believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you that your dreams are unattainable. There is no limit to what you can achieve. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you, whether they are educational, professional, or personal. Moreover, Saudi women are paving the way for future generations, and I believe that we will continue to break barriers and accomplish great things.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of Saudi women?
A:
The future for Saudi women is bright, especially with the initiatives being driven by Vision 2030. We are already seeing women excelling in various fields, and the opportunities will continue to expand. I'm confident that Saudi women will keep breaking new ground and achieving extraordinary success in the years to come. We are an unstoppable force, and the world will see more of what we can do. Abir Bent Shurki Al-Anzi
Abir Bent Shurki Al-Anzi's journey from a young mother to a groundbreaking clean energy researcher is an inspiring testament to her resilience and determination. She has not only broken barriers in her field but also serves as a role model for Saudi women striving to make their mark in the world. With her focus on clean energy and sustainability, Abir is helping to shape the future of Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As Saudi women continue to rise, Abir's story is one of many that will inspire future generations to dream big and achieve even bigger.
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