Emirates Group Celebrates Emirati Women's Rising Roles In Aviation

The Emirates Group recently celebrated the significant contributions of Emirati women in aviation and travel within the UAE. The organisation highlighted their efforts in a press release, noting that Emirati women are establishing their careers across various business functions. This initiative is building a talent pipeline to support future aviation professionals.

This year, the Emirates Group achieved a 20 percent increase in Emirati women appointed to leadership roles compared to the previous year. Currently, over 200 Emirati women hold leadership positions within the organisation, contributing to growth across numerous business areas. In March 2024, five Emirati female leaders were promoted to senior executive roles in key Human Resources and Commercial Support departments.

Approximately 38 percent of the Group’s Emirati workforce consists of women. Last year saw a record number of Emirati women joining the workforce, reinforcing the Emirates Group’s commitment to integrating them into the UAE’s expanding aviation sector. These women are equipped with essential skills, competencies, and expertise to thrive and reach their full potential.

Over the past two decades, the Emirates Group has offered mentorship and training programmes for Emirati female professionals. These initiatives aim to enhance their professional growth and career mobility through access to leadership programmes such as those from Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and GE Aviation. More than 70 Emirati women have completed one or more of these programmes in the last year.

The Emirates Group also supports its female leaders by providing opportunities to enrol in the INSEAD Women Leaders Programme. This programme empowers them to lead effectively and create lasting professional change. Additionally, last year, three Emirati female employees were sponsored by Emirates to pursue postgraduate education abroad at top-ranked universities worldwide.

Strategic Partnerships

In the past year, the Emirates Group formed strategic partnerships with both UAE-based and international organisations including Nafis, Microsoft, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and PwC Academy. These collaborations deliver bespoke training and development programmes for the Group’s Emirati workforce, offering additional tools and resources that support career advancement.

The Emirates Group is also a launch partner of Aurora50’s women's networking initiative, NOORA. Furthermore, it is a signatory of the UAE Gender Balance Council’s pledge, reinforcing its commitment towards female representation and advancement within the organisation.

The Emirates Group continues to equip Emirati women with industry-leading resources to hone their leadership skills and grow their career prospects. From senior executives to outstation managers and department heads, these women are provided with opportunities for professional development through various programmes.

This ongoing support underscores the Emirates Group's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where Emirati women can excel in their careers. By empowering them with necessary skills and opportunities, the organisation ensures they can contribute significantly to its success while advancing their professional journeys.

With inputs from WAM