Reem Al Marzouqi facts for kids

Reem Al Marzouqi (Arabic: ريم المرزوقي; born c. 1990) is a talented Emirati engineer. She made history by becoming the first woman from the United Arab Emirates to get a patent in the United States of America. This patent was for her amazing invention: a car that can be driven using only your feet!

Reem's Journey to Engineering

Reem grew up in the United Arab Emirates. She was surrounded by brothers, which helped her become interested in cars. In 2008, she started studying at United Arab Emirates University. She wanted to become an architect. Even though she says she wasn't always a top student, she earned a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering. While at university, she also worked with engineering companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. She even won second place in a carpentry competition, being the first and only girl to join!

Her Amazing Invention

Reem got a U.S. patent for her invention called the "Lower Extremity Vehicle Navigation Control System." This system lets people drive a car using only their feet. It has special levers for steering, speeding up, and braking. This means people who can't use their upper body can still drive. Her invention also got approved in Japan. The university is trying to get patents for it in China and the European Union too. This invention is a big success for a program called Takamul.

How the Idea Started

Reem got the idea for her invention in a university class. She remembered watching a TV interview with Jessica Cox. Jessica is the world's first licensed pilot who doesn't have arms. Jessica talked about how hard it was to drive cars for long distances using only her feet. Reem thought about this problem. When she first showed her professor her ideas, he told her to focus on her studies. But after seeing her detailed sketches, he encouraged her to apply for a U.S. Patent. This shows how Reem loves to solve real-world problems.

Achievements and Recognition

Reem has shown her invention at the Expo Science International exhibition. Her invention was even part of the British Museum's "A History of the World in 100 Objects" exhibition. It was displayed in Abu Dhabi in 2014. The director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, called it "a brilliant example of human beings striving to find new things." He said it represented the future.

In 2014, Reem was chosen by the Academy of Achievement. She participated as an innovation and technology delegate at a big summit in San Francisco, California. Reem also holds two Guinness World Records, both set in 2014. One was for the largest flag lifted by helium balloons. The other was for the longest wedding dress. Reem designed both of these amazing feats. She worked with The Dubai Club for the Disabled on the wedding dress to show off their talents. Reem has also been named one of the "50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World" in 2018. She was also on the list of "100 smartest people in the UAE."

Current Work and Family Life

Since graduating from college, Reem has been working on a big project. She is helping Abu Dhabi Airport upgrade its Midfield Airport Terminal. This project aims to make the Abu Dhabi airport a very advanced aviation hub. Reem is married and has two sons.

See also

• List of Emiratis
• Women in the United Arab Emirates
• Women in Arab societies