Boost for female aviation professionals
The Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter took centre stage at this year’s Airport Show with a bold and empowering message at the Women in Aviation 2025 Middle East Conference and Awards. Held on May 8, 2025, the event brought together aviation professionals, industry leaders, and aspiring young women from across the Middle East to highlight groundbreaking achievements and lay out a clear vision for the future of gender inclusion in aviation.
Hosted as part of the 2025 Airport Show and jointly organised by the Emirates Aviation Association and Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter, the Dubai World Trade Centre event offered a unique platform to celebrate women breaking barriers and introducing new pathways for future talent.
Mervat Sultan, President of the Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter, opened the conference with a powerful speech that blended reflection with vision. She reminded the audience of the chapter’s beginnings in 2000 and how much has changed.
“Today is not only a celebration of how far we’ve come,” Sultan told attendees. “It’s a testament to how far we will go.” Her words struck a chord with delegates from around the world, who gathered to discuss the future of aviation and the role women will play in shaping it.
She warmly welcomed Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, whose presence at the event signalled high-level support for advancing gender equality in aviation. “Your presence is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to an inclusive, innovative, and empowered future in aviation,” Sultan said.
New opportunities
The 2025 Women in Aviation Conference edition was not just about celebration. It also created tangible opportunities for women to thrive in the industry.
Sultan announced a range of new initiatives representing a serious investment in the next generation of female aviation professionals. Pier 7 Aviation has offered a prestigious internship to one of the chapter’s members, providing a rare chance to gain direct industry experience.
In a significant step forward, a partnership with the International Aviation Academy – Israel will provide a full EASA Airline Transport Pilot License scholarship valued at over $100,000. In addition, ten fully sponsored Fundamentals of Aviation courses will be offered, worth a combined $35,000. Winners will be selected through an open platform and announced at the chapter’s next conference in Saudi Arabia in December 2025.
A new collaboration with Airman Ground will launch the first Emotional Intelligence Training Programme for pilots. The programme will address the critical human side of aviation safety. Five fully funded places, valued at $20,000, will be awarded.
Windsweep Training Institute has also offered three complimentary airport-related training courses, each valued at $5,000, exclusively for Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter members.
Reflecting on the chapter’s progress, Sultan pointed out that 2025 marks a turning point. “Last year, we had around 250 attendees,” she said. “This year, that number has grown—not just inside the venue, but also on the ground. We are seeing more women engaged, visibility, and participation.”
She praised the growing support from government bodies and private institutions, noting that such backing proves the chapter is moving in the right direction.
Awardees this year
This year’s Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter awards ceremony honoured women and organisations making exceptional contributions to aviation.
Aya Sadder, founder of BOLT Consultancy and incubator manager at Intelak, received the Innovative Leader Award for fostering aviation innovation.
Dr Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer, received the Women in Aviation Leadership Award for her trailblazing achievements.
The International Aviation Academy was recognised as the Most Supportive Aviation Company, while Khalifa University was named Best Educational Institution in the aviation field.
Pier 7 Aviation was awarded Best Training Institution, reinforcing its commitment to skill-building and inclusion.
Dr Nadine Itani, an academic and aviation consultant with a global profile, was named the Most Recognised Woman in Aviation.
Captain Samar Oran pioneered oceanic flights in the early 1980s and earned the Achiever Award for her contributions to aviation history.
The Jazira Aviation Club was honoured as the Best Aviation Club Supporting Women, while Fereshta Alawadhi of Emirates Airlines received the Lifetime Achievement in Passenger Experience and Innovation Award.
Power-packed sessions
Throughout the day, robust panel discussions tackled the industry’s future. The “AI, Autonomy & The Human Factor” session explored how automation reshapes aviation and what that means for human roles.
Another session, “The Leadership Void,” addressed the persistent underrepresentation of women in executive roles and asked tough questions about what must change.
Industry voices from NATS, Air Arabia, the UAE GCAA, and RoyalJet Group added insight and urgency to the discussions, pushing for fundamental transformation in leadership dynamics.
The conference also prioritised the next generation. The dedicated Students Corner was packed with young women eager to explore careers in aviation. It offered mentorship opportunities, networking sessions, insights into training pathways and industry demands.
The presence of role models and mentors in one space allowed students to see what is possible—and to begin mapping their journeys into the field.
In a moment of personal reflection, Sultan shared advice for young women aspiring to join the aviation industry. She emphasised that while ambition and dreams are essential, aviation success hinges on discipline and precision.
“This industry is for you if you can plan and manage your schedule,” she said. “A delay of even two minutes affects not just your flight, but every flight and service behind it. Aviation teaches you that safety and time are everything.”
She closed with an emotional message that resonated across the room. “You don’t need to justify your dreams. You are enough. Your place in aviation is not up for debate—it is already written in the sky.”
The Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter’s 2025 event has set a new benchmark. It is a gathering and a growing movement built on inclusion, innovation, and inspiration. With stronger partnerships, growing support from government and industry, and a clear commitment to opening doors, the future of women in aviation in the Middle East is brighter than ever.
As the event drew to a close, one thing was clear: for the women of aviation, the sky is no longer the limit—it is just the beginning.
Hero image: This year’s Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter awards ceremony honoured women and organisations making exceptional contributions to aviation. Credit: Airport Show
