As the UAE’s first certified female maritime captain, Captain Sahar Rasti, Founder and CEO of SJR Group and creator of RAHAAL, reflects on leadership, resilience and the vision driving her industry forward

Captain Sahar Rasti has spent her career defying expectations. Recognised as the UAE’s first certified female maritime captain, she has become a pioneering figure within an industry traditionally dominated by men. Yet her story extends far beyond the bridge of a ship. Rasti transformed a childhood fascination with the vessels arriving and departing from the UAE’s ports into a groundbreaking career. Today, she is not only a maritime captain but also an entrepreneur, innovator, and mentor, using her experience to help shape the industry’s future.

As Founder and CEO of SJR Group and creator of RAHAAL, the world’s first AI-powered maritime employment platform, Rasti is driving conversations around digital transformation, talent development and innovation across the global maritime sector. Her work has earned international recognition, while her inclusion in the UAE Women’s Encyclopedia has cemented her status as a national pioneer.

Here, she reflects on her journey from aspiring captain to industry leader, the lessons the sea has taught her about leadership and why she believes the next generation of Emirati women should never be afraid to chart their own course.

What originally inspired you to pursue a career in the maritime industry?

My inspiration goes back to my childhood, when my father used to take me to his general trading company’s headquarters just outside the port. Being surrounded by the sea and watching ships come and go sparked a deep fascination in me from an early age.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced entering the industry as an Emirati woman?

My greatest challenge actually came from the land, from society, the people, and changing traditional mindsets. I wanted to prove that we are all equally capable of facing any challenge. I had to let my work prove that the sea does not differentiate between men and women; it recognises only those who are capable and ready to face its challenges.

Was there a defining moment in your career where you realised the wider impact your journey could have on other women in the region?

It happened when I began receiving messages from young Emirati and Arab women, as well as their parents, asking how they could join the maritime academy or pursue non-traditional careers. I realised then that my journey was no longer just a personal ambition. Standing on the bridge of a ship wasn’t just about navigating a vessel; it was a visible proof of concept for every young woman in the region that no horizon is off-limits if you have the courage to steer toward it.

What has working at sea taught you about confidence and decision-making under pressure?

When you are on the bridge of a ship during a storm, you cannot hesitate. True confidence means knowing that you have the capability to overcome any obstacle, standing firm against the elements, and steering your vessel safely to shore no matter how great the pressure.

What does representing your country on a global stage mean to you personally?

It is an immense honour and a profound responsibility. Every time I speak or work internationally, I carry the values of the UAE with me: our ambition, our resilience, and our visionary leadership. Representing the UAE means showing the world that Emirati women are not just participating in global industries; we are leading them.

You are passionate about encouraging more women into maritime careers. Why do you think visibility and representation are so important within this industry?

You cannot be what you cannot see. For generations, young women didn’t even consider maritime careers simply because they never saw a woman wearing a captain’s uniform or running a shipping firm. Visibility changes the narrative from ‘Can a woman do this?’ to ‘How do I do this?’ 

What inspired you to move beyond navigation and into shaping the industry’s future as an entrepreneur and innovator?

Navigation taught me how the industry works, but entrepreneurship allows me to change how it evolves. Moving from the bridge of a ship to leading the Sahar Rasti Group was a natural progression. I wanted to use my hands-on expertise to drive broader impact, focusing on maritime consultancy, ship management, and digital transformation. To truly future-proof the sector, we have to look beyond the horizon and innovate the very frameworks of how we operate.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave within the maritime industry?

I want my legacy to be measured by the doors that remain open for others. I don’t want to just be remembered as the ‘first. ‘ I want to ensure that because of the work we are doing today, the women who come after me will find a seamless pathway to become captains, CEOs, and innovators. 

What continues to motivate and inspire you every day?

What truly inspires me every day is a continuous passion for exploration. My deep connection to the sea remains a constant source of energy and peace for me. Outside of my business, I find my greatest motivation and joy in traveling and discovering new places with my family.