- Inspiration: A Story Born From Empathy
- The Invention: Driving Without Hands
- Recognition and Global Impact
- Academic and Professional Achievements
- Beyond the Patent: More Innovations and Records
- Participation in Global Innovation Events
- “The Girl Who Refused to Wait for Change”
- Key Features and Highlights of Reem’s Legacy
- Lessons from Reem Al Marzouqi’s Journey
Behind every great innovation lies a powerful story — one where vision meets purpose. Such is the story of Reem Al Marzouqi, an Emirati engineer whose pioneering spirit led her to make global headlines. She became the first Emirati woman to hold a U.S. patent for inventing a car that can be driven entirely without using hands. More than just a breakthrough in mobility, her invention represents inclusion, accessibility, and a redefinition of what determination can achieve.
Inspiration: A Story Born From Empathy
While studying at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Reem’s professor challenged her class to create something that could make a difference.
One night, she watched an interview featuring Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed pilot born without arms. Jessica’s struggle to drive using only her feet struck a chord with Reem.
Inspiration turned into action: Reem began sketching out a system allowing anyone with upper-body disabilities to drive using their feet safely and comfortably.
Though initially dismissed by her professor as “too ambitious,” her persistence turned her bold idea into a fully functional prototype.
The Invention: Driving Without Hands
Reem’s system, later patented under the name “Lower Extremity Vehicle Navigation Control System”, replaces traditional hand controls with foot-operated levers:
Steering lever: Controls direction through flexible foot movements.
Acceleration lever: Allows the driver to speed up as needed.
Brake lever: Provides smooth and precise stops, just like a standard pedal system.
Together, these work synchronously to make a car entirely operable without a steering wheel — empowering individuals who lack upper limb functionality.
The invention received its first U.S. patent, followed by recognition in Japan, with more patents pending in China and the European Union.
Recognition and Global Impact
Her creation became one of the most celebrated projects of the Takamul Innovation Program, which supports UAE inventors.
The design was showcased internationally, notably featured in The British Museum's “A History of the World in 100 Objects” exhibition held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, representing the “Future of Innovation.”
Neil MacGregor, the museum’s director, described it as “a brilliant example of human beings striving to find new solutions.”
Academic and Professional Achievements
Reem graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from UAEU.
Her journey also included hands-on roles with engineering consultancies like Musanada, where she gained practical construction and management experience.
She is currently part of Abu Dhabi Airports, contributing to the city’s aviation transformation through the Midfield Airport Terminal Project, one of the UAE’s largest infrastructure ventures.
Beyond the Patent: More Innovations and Records
Reem Al Marzouqi’s innovative streak doesn’t stop at cars.
Mozo — The Smart Teddy Bear: A communication-aid toy for children with autism that helps them express emotions and practice interaction.
Abu Dhabi Airport Detection System: A cargo duplication detection technology that prevents shipment misplacement and damage.
Guinness World Records (2014): Reem holds two records — the largest flag lifted by helium balloons and the longest wedding dress ever designed.
Both projects involved collaboration with the Dubai Club for the Disabled, a move that emphasized inclusion and empowerment.
Participation in Global Innovation Events
Selected as an Innovation and Technology Delegate at the International Achievement Summit 2014 in San Francisco.
Served as a judge for the James Dyson Awards 2021, joining an elite panel that included Dr. Ali Hilal Alnaqbi (bio-artificial liver inventor) and Suaad Al Shamsi (the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer).
Recognized by Arabian Business Magazine as one of the “50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World” (2018) and among the “100 Smartest People in the UAE.”
“The Girl Who Refused to Wait for Change”
As a student surrounded by skepticism, Reem was once told to “focus on her grades” instead of dreaming about solving problems beyond her scope. But she persisted. With every sketch and failed prototype, she believed in building a future that included everyone. Years later, she not only earned a U.S. patent but also rewrote the narrative for women engineers in the region. Her story teaches that innovation is not reserved for the extraordinary—it’s achieved by the determined.
Key Features and Highlights of Reem’s Legacy
Innovation for Accessibility: Her invention is designed for people with disabilities, redefining equal mobility.
Global Recognition: From Abu Dhabi to Tokyo, her invention transcends borders.
STEM Representation: An Emirati woman mastering engineering in a male-dominated field.
Inspiration Through Action: Proof that empathy can evolve into engineering excellence.
Lessons from Reem Al Marzouqi’s Journey
Never underestimate an idea born out of compassion.
Small beginnings — even a classroom project — can change global perceptions.
Resilience turns rejection into results.
The UAE continues proving that regional innovation can rival global leaders when imagination meets support chains like Takamul.
Reem Al Marzouqi isn’t just an engineer — she’s a flagbearer for innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her journey from an ethical design challenge to an international patent reveals the transformative power of empathy-driven engineering.
Her invention paves the way for people with disabilities to experience freedom behind the wheel, while her story fuels the dreams of countless young minds across the world — especially those who believe that no dream is too ambitious, and no challenge too great.
