Women in Aviation – Middle East charts a path toward full empowerment

The event drew wide regional and international participation and served as a dynamic platform to share experiences and celebrate female achievements.

In his keynote speech, H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE’s leadership for placing women's empowerment at the heart of national development strategies.

“Today, Emirati women hold senior positions, contribute to aircraft engineering and operations management, and represent 42% of the aviation workforce—an unprecedented achievement in the region,” he said.

Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation International, said: “Today’s celebration is not only about what has been achieved, but about what lies ahead—ambitions, challenges, and new paths. We’re not just asking for representation; we’re demanding meaningful participation—in innovation, in decision-making, in labs, cockpits, and boardrooms.”

She stressed that progress is not measured solely by numbers, but by community depth and impact.

“Slow progress is sometimes the most enduring. Last year, we had about 250 participants. This year, attendance has more than doubled—not just in the hall, but throughout the professional ecosystem. Government and private sector support confirms we’re on the right track.,” she said. 

Training Opportunities and Targeted Support

Sultan also announced the launch of a fully funded EASA ATPL scholarship, along with free aviation fundamentals training and a specialised programme on emotional intelligence for pilots, in collaboration with Airman Ground.

“These initiatives respond to real market needs and aspirations that can no longer be postponed,” she said.

“We maintain the same award categories every year, but 2025 was especially inspiring. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes from Jordan to the U.S. in the 1980s, is a symbol of persistence. We also honoured figures like Dr. Nadine Itani, a trusted aviation expert for global media, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah—clear signs that meaningful change is happening.”

Her message to aspiring women in the industry emphasised professionalism above all.

“In aviation, dreams alone are not enough. Success relies on respecting time and structure. A two-minute delay doesn’t just affect your flight—it affects dozens behind you. Aviation teaches you that safety and discipline are everything.” 

The conference concluded with a celebration honouring Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi with the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, Aya Sader with the Innovation Award, and Dr. Nadine Itani with the title of "Most Influential Woman in Aviation."

Khalifa University and Al Jazeera Aviation Club were also recognised for their significant contributions to training and institutional empowerment.

Sultan concluded: “You don’t need permission to dream. You are enough. Your place in aviation’s sky is not up for debate—it was written among the clouds long ago.”