A group of inspiring Emirati women experiences was presented at the symposium, entitled “Women's capabilities in the aviation sector”, organized by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) at Zayed University in Dubai yesterday to mark the UAE Women's Day. Experiences presented at the symposium, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, President of the Family Development Foundation, carried many elements of inspiration for women working in the aviation sector, whether in the field of engineering, leadership or resources. The seminar highlighted the accomplishments of Emirati women in the civil aviation sector, ways of developing women's capabilities, and providing an attractive environment for young talents to complement the successes achieved by Emirati women in this sector.
In his opening speech, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said: "The excellence of Emirati women is not surprising and expected in various fields. Since the first step, women have been partners with men in the success of the achievements of the UAE."
Women's Empowerment
“We are betting on women as we are betting on men in the service of the aviation sector because it is a big economic tributary and needs sustainable support and development. This in turn requires a lot of potential in the sector,” Al Suwaidi told Emirates Today. "There is an ongoing quest to empower women in this area." As for the demand for women in this sector, Al-Suwaidi pointed out that in the past, women were more cautious in accessing this field, but today with a more aggressive approach, women have proven themselves, and we found among them the captain, the engineer, and our representative in the world organization. As for the percentage of women working in the aviation sector, Al Suwaidi pointed out that the percentage of women is still lower than that of men, but it is a good percentage and we are seeking to increase it, noting that Emirati women have broken many barriers in dealing with this type of jobs.
Possessing determination
Captain Sheikha Mozah Al-Maktoum spoke to Emirates Today about her experience in the aviation world and her choice of this field. Passion is what leads one to success, no matter how difficult and challenging the field is. ” She noted that she has a passion for flying, and this passion is the main motivation in her career, which she fought without hesitation and fear, noting that she began studying the field since the age of 17 years, but began to practice flying since the age of 12 as a hobby in the summer.
Sheikha Mozah al-Maktoum said: “The long flight hours are the main reasons for the flight. She said that she was encouraged by the family, especially her mother, so she took her mother with her on the first flight.In conclusion, she advised women in the UAE to follow their dreams without putting any roof, because dreams should not be impossible.
Hold on to hope
As for Fatima Al Enezi, she talked about her experience as the first aeronautical engineer. Entering this field was her dream. Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, 2015. She noted that with experience she has moved from working with the airframe to an area of engineering-related laws. "We must hold on to hope and not underestimate any dream, no matter how small, because it may grow up, encouraging women to perform their jobs in any field with pride and loyalty," she wrote.
Various paragraphs
It is worth mentioning that the symposium included several paragraphs and activities, including a discussion session discussed the importance of women in the sustainability of the future of civil aviation, and accelerators of the empowerment of women in this area. Dr. Al-Hashimi, Head of Planning and Support Services Unit at the General Authority for Ports, Borders and Free Zones Security, Dr. Mariam Al-Hashimi, Director of Control and Inspection Department at the Civil Aviation Authority, Wafa Al-Obaidli, Network Planning Manager and Economic Assessment Officer, Emirates Airlines, Fatima Boaf A, engineer Nora Harrasi.
Honoring and Exhibition
At the end of the seminar, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, honored the speakers and the parties participating in the seminar. They expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the General Authority of Civil Aviation in organizing this symposium for the second consecutive year. After the symposium, an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy was inaugurated.