Middle east carriers honour contribution of Emirati women in aviation

Dubai-based carrier Flydubai celebrated Emirati Women’s Day by honouring the contribution of Emirati women. 

“This day is a nod to the outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication of Emirati women who significantly contribute to the growth of the UAE aviation sector and Dubai’s aviation hub,” the press release said.

Emirati women have played an important role at flydubai and have been represented across various departments including inflight operations, engineering, operations as well as various office-based roles.

The airline has invested in various initiatives for UAE nationals to support future growth opportunities, offering a well-established cadet programme, engineering apprentice programme as well as internship and work placement programmes across different functions and departments. 

“Emirati Women’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the remarkable contribution of our colleagues who are an important pillar of the growing flydubai workforce. Their dedication, talent and leadership are integral to the flydubai success journey. We are proud to support their continued success as they evolve as leaders of the future and play an important role in the development of the aviation sector,” Nasser Binkherbash Senior Vice President of Human Resources at flydubai said.

flydubai has seen an increase in the representation of Emirati women within its workforce. According to the carrier, the number of Emirati women who have joined flydubai since August 2022 has almost tripled. 

“This growth is a testament to flydubai’s commitment to aligning with the UAE’s vision and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive, equitable workplace and investing in highly skilled talent,” the release said.

Emirates Group celebrates its shining female talent

The Emirates Group, too, celebrated the contributions of Emirati women, and the vital work they do across aviation and travel in the UAE. Women are forging their career paths across a variety of business functions at the Emirates Group and building the foundations for a talent pipeline to support the next generation of aviation professionals. 

According to the release, approximately 38% of the Group’s Emirati workforce consists of women, and in the last financial year, the organisation welcomed a record number of Emirati women to its workforce. The Emirates Group also marked another milestone this year, achieving 20% growth over the previous year for the number of Emirati women appointed in leadership roles. 

“Today, more than 200 Emirati women hold leadership positions in the organisation, contributing to growth across a gamut of business functions. In March 2024, the Emirates Group announced the promotion of five Emirati female leaders to senior executive roles in key Human Resources and Commercial Support departments,” the press release stated.

Over the last 20 years, the Emirates Group has provided mentorship and training programmes for Emirati female professionals with access to leadership programmes including the Rolls-Royce and Airbus Leadership Programmes, GE Aviation Programme, among others. 

Emirati females in leadership positions at the Emirates Group also have the opportunity to enrol in the INSEAD Women Leaders Programme. More than 70 Emirati women have completed one or more of these programmes in the last 12 months. The group is also a launch partner of Aurora50’s women’s networking initiative, NOORA and is a signatory of the UAE Gender Balance Council’s pledge, reinforcing its commitment towards female representation and advancement in the organisation.

Emirati women also have opportunities to contribute beyond their job roles, with 55% of the Emirates Group’s Emirati Youth Council consisting of women who hail from different departments across Emirates and dnata businesses.