Aviation360 MEA

About 27,000 women now work in the UAE’s aviation sector, a figure that represents 42 percent of the total.

According to Mervat Sultan, president of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation, more women are finding employment in the sector as a result of proactive and fruitful outreach to female candidates.

Speaking at Women in Aviation’s 10th Anniversary Conference in Dubai, Sultan said: “If you want to build your nation, you need to build a generation first. The empowerment of women is essential for betterment of the society.

“For this, women’s education and training are important. We need to educate parents and children as well about employment opportunities in aviation.”

Sultan noted that already, “women are in all areas of aviation, not only as pilots; there are more engineers, air traffic controllers, medical, technical and legal staff.”

Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al-Maktoum, a 1st Lt and pilot with Dubai Police Air Wing, told delegates that the gender gap in aviation remains significant and that an effective strategy is required to address the issue.

She mentioned she started Shehana in 2019 to assist and empower women in the aviation sector and advance gender equality through local, regional, and global partnerships and collaborations. She made this statement during the keynote address.

“Women in the UAE are not just heard and seen but respected and included,” said Sheikha Mozah. “To improve gender equality there is a need for collaboration of sponsors, government and organizations supporting women in aviation.”

The CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, Suzanne Al-Anani, received the Innovative Leader Award in Women in Aviation, one of several prominent and accomplished people who were recognized for their accomplishments during the conference.