First woman pilot in Dubai royal Al Maktoum family takes flight

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Dubai - She has become the first commercial pilot in the family.

By Yousuf Saifuddin Kapadia

Published: Mon 6 Feb 2017, 5:14 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Dec 2021, 4:28 PM

The youth of Dubai's royal family are clearly reaching for the skies and beyond. A young woman in the Al Maktoum family earned a unique distinction earlier this month and became a trailblazer of sorts.
Apparently, Dubai princess - Sheikha Latifa - isn't the only female aviation aficionado in the family, who loves to fly and skydive, but another young woman is also making her mark in the aviation industry.
According to this Instagram post by Sheikha Lateefa, Moza Al Maktoum has become the first woman commercial pilot in the royal family.

My niece @mozahmm our first female pilot from the family on her first assisted flight as a commercial pilot. Proud of you ! The sky is not the limit. As long as you can dream it you can achieve it. ???? ?????. ??? ????. ??? ???? ???? ????????. ????? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ???? ??? ????? ????????. ????? ?? ?? ????. ????? ???? ?? ?? ????? ???? ???????.
A photo posted by Lateefa M (@lateefam) on Feb 4, 2017 at 1:25am PST

A few members of the family took to Instagram to congratulate the young achiever, expressing their pride and joy on her accomplishment.

So proud of you cousin ?? #Repost @maitha_m_rashid @mozahmm @bumaktoum ??
A photo posted by Maitha MR Al Maktoum (@mmrm1) on Feb 4, 2017 at 2:10am PST

@mozahmm am so proud. ????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ??????????
A photo posted by Marwan Almaktoum (@bumaktoum) on Feb 4, 2017 at 5:02am PST

Although the veracity of the airline - that she flies for - can't be confirmed, at first glance the uniform looks similar to the one worn by Emirates pilots.

Here's her skills test passing certificate

Finally..wings and bars today.
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Apr 26, 2016 at 8:01am PDT

When she graduated

1422 - 29-06-16 - Graduated
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Jul 29, 2016 at 1:37pm PDT

Some gorgeous aviation shots by Moza (seems like she's quite the photographer)

Pleasure is on the other side.
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Jun 1, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

Just believe.
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on May 25, 2016 at 5:08am PDT

Ending my year with a NAV flight .
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Dec 31, 2015 at 12:45pm PST

The time she began her journey to the skies

A new beginning.
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Nov 9, 2015 at 11:23am PST

At the controls

You hold the keys to every door you want to open in life, believe in yourself.
A photo posted by mozahmm (@mozahmm) on Mar 11, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

It is noteworthy that UAE's aviation sector boasts of many women, from pilots to engineers.
In 2016, Etihad Airways announced that more than half the UAE nationals employed by the airline are women, including nearly 50 pilots.
In recent years, an Emirati woman fighter pilot - Major Mariam Al Mansouri - made headlines around the world when she led an aerial raid against Daesh in Syria.
Here's wishing more power and success to the young princess and Emirati women. Reach for the stars!
yousufk@khaleejtimes.com