Hajar Alnuaimi, Digital Crime Analyst, Interpol Innovation Centre

1) How do you use your role to ensure that technology and policy are truly inclusive?

As the first female officer seconded from Abu Dhabi Police to INTERPOL’s Innovation Centre, I have the opportunity to work with countries that vary greatly in resources and capabilities. This gives me a real understanding of what inclusivity means in practice.

I advocate for solutions that are accessible, adaptable, and respectful of different cultural and operational realities.

Representation matters and being “the first” reminds me every day that innovation must benefit all communities, not only the most technologically advanced ones. 

2) What’s a moment in your career when you saw firsthand how technology or a new policy changed a citizen’s life for the better?

A defining moment was being appointed as the Head of the Virtual Reality Section at Abu Dhabi Police, a department that didn’t exist before.

I started completely alone, without a team or blueprint. Building it from scratch showed me that meaningful innovation often begins in the most challenging spaces. 

Around the same time, I saw how digital crime tools helped investigators identify vulnerable victims faster.

Those experiences taught me that innovation is never about the technology itself. It is about the real impact it has on people’s lives. 

3) What was the most impactful project you worked on this year, and how did you measure its success in building trust and serving the needs of the public?

One of the most impactful experiences this year was representing INTERPOL in a major event where three large programs were merged into one.

Coordinating such a complex effort required focus, teamwork, and patience, and it was an honor to represent both INTERPOL and my country on that platform. 

At the same time, I am finalising a paper on a critical topic relevant to the law enforcement community. Contributing to law enforcement research while carrying operational responsibilities is challenging, but it makes me proud.

Success, for me, was reflected in the partnerships formed, the interest shown in our work, and the trust given to us by global stakeholders. 

4) What was one unexpected lesson you learned this year about designing for real people? This can be about a specific project or a broader lesson about your work.

I learned that simplicity creates the strongest impact. People do not need overly sophisticated tools. They need solutions that fit their real environment, language, and daily challenges.

The most successful technologies are those that quietly solve a problem without adding unnecessary complexity. Designing for real people is ultimately an exercise in empathy, not ego. 

5) We hear a lot about AI. What's a practical example of how AI can be used to make government services more inclusive and trustworthy?

With my specialisation in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and immersive digital environments, I see AI as a tool that makes these technologies more efficient and meaningful for decision makers. 

AI can analyse patterns inside digital models or environments and highlight risks or gaps that may not be visible otherwise.

When combined with immersive technologies, AI turns complex data into something policymakers can see and understand. 

This makes decisions not only smarter but more inclusive because they are informed by clearer insights rather than assumptions. To me, AI is about better understanding, not automation. 

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6) How are you preparing for the next wave of change in the public sector? What new skill, approach, or technology are you most excited to explore in the coming year?

I prepare by staying curious and committed to continuous learning. Emerging technologies evolve quickly, and staying updated is essential for anyone working in innovation. 

I focus on understanding developments in AI, digital twins, immersive environments, and other digital tools not because they are trends, but because they can truly strengthen public services. 

What keeps me grounded is remembering that every technological shift affects real people. Preparing for the future means making sure new changes bring real value to society. 

7) What advice do you have for public sector innovators who want to build a career focused on serving all citizens?

Focus on creating impact, not on titles. 

Public sector innovation works best when it is driven by purpose, humility, and a clear understanding of community needs. 

Listen to people, collaborate with others, and stay persistent even when challenges appear. 

The strongest solutions come from teamwork and openness, not from working in isolation. 

8) Who inspires you to build a more inclusive and trustworthy public sector?

I am inspired by the leaders and colleagues I have worked with in Abu Dhabi Police and INTERPOL people who serve with honesty and dedication. 

I am also inspired by the leaders and ministers in the UAE. Their commitment to empowering women has opened doors for people like me to grow and lead. Their vision shows how national progress is strengthened when women are supported. 

And of course, my daughters inspire me every day. I want them to grow up in a world where institutions are fair, transparent, and trustworthy. Their future motivates me to contribute meaningfully. 

9) If you had an unlimited budget, what would your dream project be?

I would build a global academy for children and youth, a place where they can explore their talents, build confidence, and prepare for the future. 

It would combine creativity, innovation, and personal development in one supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to dream big. 

Investing in the next generation is the most meaningful way to shape a better future.

10) Outside tech, what excites you the most?

My biggest joy comes from my family, especially my two daughters. 

When I see their pride or hear my daughter say, “I want to be a police officer like Mama,” it reminds me why I work so hard. 

Knowing that they may one day go further, dream bigger, and achieve more inspires me daily. Their belief in me is my strongest motivation.