UAE's first female aviation engineer urges women to break the glass ceiling

An Emirati woman, who broke the glass ceiling to become the UAE's first female aircraft engineer, said there is no reason why women can't excel in engineering and other male-dominated fields.

"There's nothing a woman can't do. It's sad that gender stereotypes are still prevalent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, but these challenges shouldn't deter women from pursuing their dream careers," Dr Suaad Al Shamsi said ahead of the International Women in Engineering Day (INWED).

Held annually on June 23, INWED celebrates the work and achievements of female engineers around the world.

Dr Suaad Al Shamsi, who works as an aviation advisor at the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Airport, said she fell in love with aeroplanes before she could barely walk.

"We lived near the airport. As a child, I would stare transfixed at the skies for hours as the planes flew overhead," she recalled. "Before long, I got hooked to aviation movies like the Top Gun (1986)."

As her fascination turned into a passion, Shamsi began considering a career in aviation.

Shamsi said she is indebted to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for giving wings to her dreams and enabling her to pursue an aeronautical course in the UK.

"Now it's my turn to make my home country proud," said Shamsi, who has risen through the ranks to become a significant name in the regional aviation industry.

She also sits on the judging panel of the James Dyson Award, which is returning to the UAE for its fifth edition.

Open to design or engineering students, the international award is run by the James Dyson Foundation, which aims to get young people excited about design engineering.