At a Microsoft event, Moroccan engineer Ibtihal Aboussad boldly spoke out against the company’s ties to the Israeli military, leading to her immediate removal. Her public stance caught the attention of Kuwaiti businessman Abdullah Al-Dabbous, who offered her a role within his investment group.
This moment sparked a wave of support across the Arab world, amplifying her message. Let’s take a look at Ibithal’s story, and why it matters.
Ibtihal Is a Harvard-Educated AI Specialist from Rabat Who Rose Through Microsoft’s Ranks
Ibtihal Aboussad, 25, graduated from Moulay Youssef High School in Rabat before earning a prestigious scholarship to Harvard University. There, she specialized in artificial intelligence, eventually joining Microsoft’s elite AI team.
Her career path wasn’t just impressive—it symbolized the rising presence of Arab talent in global tech. With her academic achievements and professional placement, she embodied a generation of Arab women breaking into industries that once felt out of reach. Her rise made what happened next all the more striking.
Ibtihal Aboussad’s On-Stage Criticism of Microsoft’s Role in Gaza Drew Global Attention
During an internal Microsoft event, Ibtihal Aboussad publicly criticized the company for its alleged support of the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. Her bold statement was made in front of executives, making it a high-profile protest within a major corporate setting.
The confrontation led to her immediate removal from the event, igniting a firestorm of online reactions and drawing attention to her stance.
Fallout and Censorship: Ibtihal’s LinkedIn Disappears Following the Protest
After the incident, online chatter suggested she was dismissed from her role—though Microsoft has yet to release an official statement. Soon after, her LinkedIn account disappeared, raising questions about whether the removal was voluntary or part of a broader reaction.
People suggested that LinkedIn—owned by Microsoft—had deleted her profile. Whether true or not, the digital silence added fuel to debates over free expression in corporate tech and how quickly dissenting voices can vanish from platforms they once helped build.
Arab Civil Society, Activists, and Even Hamas Rally Behind Ibtihal’s Protest
Ibtihal’s actions struck a chord far beyond the tech industry. Civil society groups, student unions, and online activists across the Arab world rallied behind her. Some praised her as a symbol of integrity in an environment often dominated by silence.
Even Hamas issued a rare public statement applauding her courage. To many, she became the face of a broader generational shift—one where scientific excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of political or ethical conviction. Her story reflected how Arab youth are increasingly refusing to separate professional success from personal values.
Kuwaiti FinTech Leader Abdullah Al-Dabbous Publicly Offers Her a Job
Among those offering support was Abdullah Al-Dabbous, CEO of MyFatoorah and a prominent figure in Gulf FinTech. He publicly shared that he attempted to contact Ibtihal with a job offer at his investment group.
However, with her LinkedIn profile gone, he couldn’t reach her. His gesture wasn’t just about employment—it was a message of regional backing, where Gulf business leaders are beginning to step in and support Arab professionals facing global pushback for their views. As far as we know, Ibtihal hasn’t responded to the offer as of yet.
The Bigger Picture
Ibtihal Aboussad’s story highlights a changing tide. Arab professionals are speaking out—within global institutions—and finding support from within the region. As tech, politics, and identity continue to intersect, her case may signal a new era of empowered voices.
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