Reem Al Yamani

Saudi Arabian tech pioneer who developed AI solutions to address water scarcity in arid regions

Reem Al Yamani (b. 1995) is a Saudi innovator whose startup Aquadrop has pioneered AI-driven water management systems. Her machine learning algorithms analyze satellite imagery and weather data to optimize agricultural water use, achieving 40% savings in pilot projects across Saudi Arabia and UAE. This technology has been adopted by Qatar's National Food Security Program ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Al Yamani's breakthrough came in 2020 when her team at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) won the Global Water Innovation Prize for developing SmartDrip irrigation systems. These systems use IoT sensors and predictive analytics to reduce water waste in desert farming, a critical issue affecting 60% of Saudi Arabia's territory.

In 2023, she launched Water4Arabia, a non-profit initiative that provides open-source water management tools to 12 Middle Eastern countries. Her work was featured in the documentary "Deserts to Gardens", which highlights sustainable agriculture innovations. Al Yamani also co-founded the Women in AI network in GCC countries, mentoring over 300 female tech entrepreneurs since 2021.

Her recent collaboration with NASA's Desert RATS program has led to the development of water recycling systems for potential Mars colonies, demonstrating the global applicability of her desert-adapted technologies. Time Magazine named her one of the '30 Under 30 Innovators in Sustainability' in 2024.