Marwa Al Mamari’s journey to becoming the first Emirati aerospace engineer is one undeniably marked by passion. Yet, the title was never something she sought out. “It wasn’t my goal to become the first Emirati aerospace engineer. I didn’t even know I was until graduation day. It’s a huge title and came with a huge responsibility too,” she reflects.
Today, Marwa is pushing the boundaries of the aviation industry further as she pursues a PhD in artificial intelligence (AI) within the aviation sector. Her research focuses on how AI will revolutionise the industry by enhancing safety and security.
“I’m trying to prove that AI is going to help make the industry better by eliminating human error, which is the main cause of most accidents,” she explains.
This drive to explore the unknown and challenge herself is a defining trait of Marwa’s. “I need to be challenged all the time to get the best of me,” she says. “I get satisfaction and a sense of achievement from giving back to the country and to my community.”
Though ahead of the curve, the mother of two is proud of the progress that Emirati women have made in STEM fields, particularly in aerospace engineering.
“A lot more Emirati women are moving into STEM. It’s really inspiring, because I come from a time when there were not many females in these roles, especially not in aviation. Now, you have a lot of girls who are in the industry, which just proves the capabilities we have in our country and the opportunities the country is providing for women,” she says.
Reflecting on her journey and the society she belongs to, Marwa is filled with emotion. “I am very proud to be an Emirati woman, living in a great nation with strong leadership,” she states. Acknowledging the role women have played in the UAE’s development, she says, “Women have always had a voice here. We can see that in the history of the country. They maintained households and brought up the next generation who have created what we see today.”
“She was always respected and appreciated,” Marwa adds. “Her desires and needs were addressed very well and there were never boundaries, which has led to the development of the society we have now.”
Marwa’s advice to aspiring engineers speaks to her experience: “Consistency is a huge factor here for pursuing your passions. You have to be flexible around obstacles that come in the way. It doesn’t take a smart person to be successful – it just takes someone committed and consistent in
their pursuit.”
She also encourages young Emiratis to take advantage of the support and opportunities available to them. “I advise aspiring engineers to keep following their dreams,” she says. “They have all the support from the leadership in the country and a lot of opportunities they should take. We are in an era where it’s very easy to seek a dream and make it come true.”
Marwa’s commitment to following her passion while embracing challenges has seen her break barriers. It is a story of one woman’s success, but also an indicator of how, for Emirati women who dare to dream big, the sky is the limit.
Follow @eng.marwaalmamari on Instagram.
Creative direction and words: Sophia Dyer
Photography: Žiga Mihelčič
Styling: Chloe Louise
Hair and make-up: Iryna Soltaninia
Assistant: Marie Meyer