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UAE's first female nuclear safety inspector recalls 'dramatic start' to career

The 22-year-old's passion for science and a desire to serve the country led to her creating history

Published: Tue 27 Aug 2024, 6:00 AM

Updated: Tue 27 Aug 2024, 10:24 PM

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At just 22, Meera Al Mheiri has made history as the first Emirati woman to take on the role of nuclear safety inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). Meera's fascination with engineering began from a deep-seated love for scientific courses. “I knew I wanted to pursue something deeply rooted in science,” she recalled.

Her curiosity led her to Khalifa University, where she majored in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering.

Despite not fully understanding the field of nuclear engineering, her passion for science and a desire to serve her country guided her choice. She then became one of the first to join the UAE’s nascent nuclear program.

Upon graduating as one of the top students, Meera’s ambition drove her to FANR. During her interview, she expressed her desire for a role that involved dynamic, on-site work — an opportunity to engage directly with the evolving nuclear landscape. Her drive and enthusiasm earned her the role of a nuclear safety inspector, making her the first Emirati woman in this critical position.

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Being the first Emirati woman in this position came with its unique set of emotions. “I wasn’t as intimidated as much as I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility,” Meera reflects. “There was a lot on my shoulders, and I knew I needed to upscale myself quickly to keep up with the expertise we had.”

She describes her experience as a blend of excitement and pressure, knowing she was breaking new ground. “In FANR, we have highly skilled experts from around the world, and having access to such mentors was invaluable,” she added.

“My focus was on observing as much as I could from these experts and learning quickly to fulfil the responsibilities of my role effectively.” Meera's resilience and commitment to her professional growth helped her navigate these challenges, turning her position into a powerful example of leadership and dedication.

Starting her career at just 22, Meera encountered numerous challenges. Her initial experiences were particularly daunting. “My first site visit was quite overwhelming,” she admitted. “I even fainted, which was quite a dramatic start!” She recalled the difficulty of adapting to the intense physical demands of working on construction sites, especially in harsh conditions.

However, her determination and resilience quickly came to the fore. “I realised I needed to adapt my lifestyle,” she said. “I started focusing on maintaining a healthy diet and having a rigorous exercise routine to meet the physical demands of the job.”

Balancing passion with duty

Meera’s ability to balance a demanding career with her personal life is a testament to her passion and dedication. “My hobbies include volunteering and continuous learning,” she said. “These activities are not a burden but sources of joy and fulfilment for me.” Her support system, including her family, plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance, allowing her to thrive both professionally and personally.

When discussing engagement of the public in the nuclear field, Meera highlighted the importance of transparency and communication. FANR actively conducts awareness sessions and maintains open channels for public concerns. “There’s always room for improvement, but the existing initiatives already foster significant public involvement,” she noted.

Meera's impact extends beyond her role at FANR. Her leadership and commitment were recognised when she was appointed as one of the youngest board members of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and later, as a fellow in the Policymaking sector in National Experts Program, where she received extensive mentorship and led key projects in her field. “As an NEP fellow in policymaking, I was able to apply the learnings I had from the nuclear regulatory field into UAE policy-making through my capstone project, which was successfully implemented” she reflects.

Her roles with the Emirates Youth Council and the Supreme Council involved not only strategic oversight but also active engagement with youth and policy-making processes, further amplifying her influence on national development.

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