Just in:
BRICS Pledge Cooperation, Not Confrontation With U.S. // Qingzhen’s Zhanjie Town Leverages Ecological Resources to Drive Industrial Upgrading and Integrate Culture and Tourism for Rural Revitalization // Record Global Interest Drives CDB’s Dual‑Currency Bond Triumph // IIT Delhi and TeamLease EdTech Kick‑start AI for Healthcare Executive Programme // Celebratory 911 Club Coupe Marks Half-Century Porsche Partnership // DNA‑Crafted Nanomachines Self‑Assemble in Water // Galaxy AI Elevates On‑Device Intelligence with Privacy at Core // CGTN: Beauty in diversity: How wisdom at Nishan Forum inspires global modernization // Musk Alleges Grok Was Misled and Predicts Tech Breakthroughs // Nvidia is the dream stock of our lifetime! // Coffee Chains Join Bitcoin Mania with Bold Treasury Moves // ADNOC Gas Signs $400 Million LNG Deal with SEFE // BoE charts new wholesale terrain for stablecoins and tokenised assets // Results of the ixCrypto Index Series Quarterly Review (2025 Q2) & IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series Half Yearly Review (2025 1H) // UAE Hits Milestone with EU Delisting From High‑Risk Financial Watchlist // ICONSIAM Showcases Thai Creativity to the World with “Lost in DOMLAND” — Reinforcing Its Role as a Must-Visit Global Art Destination // Abu Dhabi’s Masdar and Iberdrola Back £5 Billion UK Offshore Wind Venture // Sharjah Elevates Real‑Estate Platform with New Digital Portal // Tokyo Real Estate Set for $75 Million Blockchain Shake‑Up // Ten Tips for a Healthy Summer Garden //

Prejudice cannot halt dreams of Etihad staff

ABU DHABI // Women who have overcome prejudice to pursue successful careers in the aviation industry have spoken of the challenges they faced.

The Etihad Airways event, organised ahead of Emirati Women’s Day on Friday, heard from a panel of women who work for the company.

The airline employs 1,269 female Emiratis, who make up 49 per cent of Emiratis in the company and 37 per cent of the airline’s female employees.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mona Walid, vice president of talent acquisition, said: “Emirati women hold different positions in Etihad such as engineers, pilots, technicians, cabin crews, airport directors.

“These include 46 female pilots and five engineers and technicians.”

Dr Nadia Bastaki, vice president of medical services, was the first Emirati woman to be registered as a specialist in aviation medicine in the country.

“I wanted to be different, and excellent, and after some research I found out about aviation medicine,” said Dr Bastaki.

“Every day here is a challenge.”

The women agreed that they all had to fight against the belief that women do not belong in the world of aviation.

“Aviation is a male-dominated industry but men know that women can multi-task and they add so much flavour in a boardroom,” said Dr Bastaki.

“However, it is a struggle and a fight all over the world.”

Aala Alrahma, cargo ramp manager, said that her job was physically strenuous at times as she had to work outside in the heat.

“My manager encouraged me and gave me a push to continue,” she said.

Muna Hadharem, an aircraft engineer, said that her career in aviation had been made possible because of the support she received from her father.

“When my teacher asked me in school about what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said my dream was to be an astronaut,” she said.

“None of the children applauded me and the teacher said this is impossible.

“I was told to change my dream and that I was not a normal person. The children laughed at me.”

That evening her father found her in the garden looking at the night sky.

“He asked me why I wasn’t sleeping. I told him what had happened and he said to me ‘why can’t you be an astronaut? You have to work towards your dream and support it with all your strength’.”

Ms Noora Al Mulla, a graduate sales manager, said her job involved working overseas, which had caused some concerns in her family.

It was her fiance who supported her decision. “He convinced my father and brother to let me work abroad,” she said.

“He talked to my brother and explained to him that if he needs me or misses me, he can always travel to see me.”

She has so far been posted in Malaysia and Italy.

“I was always keen to know international cultures and my fiance is proud of my achievements,” she said.

Now her family members have changed their opinion of her career, she said.

“There are always barriers and once they see you succeed then you find the support,” she said.

“Just keep pushing.

“Aim to reach your dreams and you will find that the support will be forthcoming.”

[email protected]

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service – if this is your content and you’re reading it on someone else’s site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.

(via The National)


Notice an issue?

Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.


ADVERTISEMENT