Sharjah Hails Maryam Al Hammadi As First Emirati Woman Air Traffic Controller

The Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah (DCA) recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating Maryam Al Hammadi, the first Emirati woman to become an air traffic control officer (ATCO) in Sharjah. This achievement underscores the success of the Emiratisation programme at DCA, which focuses on creating opportunities for citizens to excel in new fields, alongside providing continuous support and training for skill and professional development.

Maryam Al Hammadi's journey to becoming an ATCO is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication. She completed the required training programmes set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adapted to the work's demands in record time. Al Hammadi has successfully passed several courses, including ICAO 051, ICAO 052, ATCO Pre-OJT, ATCO OJT, and the ATCO proficiency testing exam, all within three years of joining the department.

In her role, Al Hammadi manages aircraft operations from the air traffic control tower at Sharjah Airport, which is affiliated with DCA. She plays a crucial part in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of flights. It's noteworthy that last year, the Air Control Department at Sharjah Airport managed over 104,000 flights, averaging 364 flights per day.

On this occasion, Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department, expressed his pride in supporting and enabling women to achieve success across all fields. He highlighted that having the first Emirati woman working as an ATCO in Sharjah aligns with the leadership's vision of empowering women and ensuring their active participation in sustainable economic development.

Maryam Al Hammadi shared her pride in being the first Emirati ATCO in Sharjah. She emphasized that this achievement not only increases her responsibility but also motivates her further to contribute to the UAE's aviation sector.

This milestone is a clear indication of DCA's commitment to the Emiratisation programme and its efforts to provide equal opportunities for men and women in the aviation industry. It also reflects the broader goals of the UAE leadership to empower women and integrate them into various sectors as part of the country's sustainable economic development plans.

With inputs from WAM