Khairawati was born in Medan on February 11, 1963. She is a lecturer in the Arabic Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Affectionately known as Ummi Ay, she specializes in Arabic language studies. She earned her Doctorate in Arabic from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India, and also completed a short course and Arabic language program at Damascus University, Syria.

Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the teaching of Qur'anic Arabic and Qur'anic Arabic grammar to communities across Medan through various Islamic study groups (majelis ta'lim) and community organizations.

Currently, Ummi Ay serves as an instructor at the USU Language Center, a special advisor to the Serdang Bedagai Regency Government, and Head of the Arabic Language Laboratory at a State Islamic Senior High School (Madrasah Aliyah Negeri). She has previously served as Chair of the Arabic Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU, held a leadership role in the Medan branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) focusing on women's empowerment, and chaired a women's Islamic organization in North Sumatra. She is also an active Islamic preacher (da'iyah) throughout North Sumatra.

In addition to her academic and community engagements, Ummi Ay is the owner of PT. Alfalah Tour and Travel, a company that provides Umrah and Hajj Plus pilgrimage services. She also serves as a tour leader for religious and cultural trips to Saudi Arabia and Palestine.