Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi is a pioneering Emirati aviation engineer, celebrated as the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer. Her journey began with a passion for aviation, leading her to pursue studies in aeronautical engineering and aviation management in the UK. Upon returning, she joined Emirates Airlines, marking a significant milestone as the nation’s first female aircraft engineer.
Her career has since flourished, and she now works on major aviation projects, including one currently in the Middle East with the Abu Dhabi government. Her contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including an acknowledgement from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for her innovative work and receiving the Emirati Women Creative Award by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
Beyond her engineering roles, Dr. Eng. Suaad is a founding member of the Women in Aviation organisation’s Middle East chapter and the CEO of Learn To Live, a consultancy dedicated to empowering women to achieve their professional aspirations.
Empowering others, particularly women, to reach their full potential. I discovered this passion through my experiences facing challenges in a male-dominated environment, which ignited a desire to support and uplift others facing similar obstacles. By advocating for mentorship, education, and equal opportunities, I aim to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Being Emirati has shaped my worldview by instilling a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, tradition, and community values. Growing up in a rapidly evolving society has taught me the importance of balancing heritage with modernity, fostering a global perspective while staying rooted in my identity.
This background has also emphasised the value of tolerance, collaboration, and the pursuit of progress, inspiring me to contribute positively to both my local and global communities.
The UAE has made significant strides in empowering me as a female leader, providing platforms and initiatives that supported me and supported a lot of women’s advancement across various sectors. The UAE invested in me 24 years ago, with a full scholarship to study aeronautical engineering in the UK. Further, the country ensured fair representation for women in the aviation sector – it was because of this that I got the opportunity to work with national carriers.
As a female leader in the aviation maintenance sector, paying it forward to the next generation involves creating an environment that not only encourages women to enter aviation, but also equips them with the skills, networks, and confidence they need to succeed. Being a mentor to young women interested in aviation – especially in fields like maintenance that traditionally have fewer female role models – can be transformative. Mentorship offers guidance on navigating challenges, insights into career development, and encouragement for persistence in a demanding field.
Leaders can create or participate in mentorship programmes, partnering with organisations like Women in Aviation International (WAI) Middle East, of which I was one of the founders 12 years ago, and Shehana, an organisation founded by HH Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum. I am also the VP of Shehana, which actively supports women in aviation through scholarships and training. Besides education, in aviation, technical skills in mechanics and engineering are critical. So I work closely with educational institutions to sponsor workshops, internships, and apprenticeships that expose young women to aviation maintenance from an early stage.
The importance of networking and mentorship in the aviation industry. Building relationships and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can significantly enhance growth and opportunities. Additionally, understanding the value of resilience would have helped me navigate challenges more effectively and embrace change as a constant in my career.
Advocating for greater work-life balance and flexible policies in the industry. I aim to create an environment that supports working mothers and encourages their professional growth while ensuring they can prioritise their family commitments.
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, I hope to pave the way for future generations of women in aviation. I also wish to spearhead initiatives that align with our long-term goals of achieving gender parity and promoting diversity in leadership roles. I aim to develop programmes that empower aspiring female aviators and create pathways for their success, ensuring that our mission of inclusivity and innovation is fully realised in the aviation industry. The programme would ideally include initiatives to encourage women to enter technical and leadership roles in aviation. Partnering with groups dedicated to gender balance in aviation.
To represent my Emirati culture to the wider world, I would emphasise its rich heritage, hospitality, and traditions, showcasing our unique art as well as our music, cuisine, and commitment to sustainability. I would highlight the importance of family values, respect for diversity, and our vision for a progressive future, fostering understanding and appreciation for our culture through dialogue.
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