WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH
Nouf Omar, the youngest female Emirati pilot on making a mark in the aviation industry and how being born in the UAE gave her wings to fly What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine? When I have a flight, the day starts four hours before the departure time which could be anytime in the day or night. I start by mentally preparing myself for the flight. First, I prepare my coffee and then start reading my documents including the flight plan. I check that I have my flight bag ready with everything I need and then I’m ready for pick-up! What led you to your chosen career path? I was inspired by one of my relatives who’s also a pilot. It caught my attention as a field and after researching, I found it a role that really fits my personality, and I could really see myself in the pilot seat! Looking back over your career, can you tell us some major hurdles you’ve had to overcome? Closed-minded opinions – any thinking that being a pilot means not having a life, not being able to get married or start a family when on the other hand there are many solutions and options out there for those who prioritise these things. Yes, I fly, but I also have a social life, hobbies and time to spend with family and friends. You’ve worked incredibly hard, where do you get your motivation from? My family – they have supported me from the beginning of my journey and will continue to do so. I remember calling my brother when I had a hard time during my training and he told me “treat it as a sport, the more you practice the better you’ll become, don’t worry you’ve got this.” His words kept me going through the tough times. There are many inspiring Emirati women that have inspired me to start my own business and achieve more than just flying an airplane. What does it feel like to have accomplished so much at such a young age? It feels great and
I’m very happy to be an inspiration for the younger generation. I also had the support of my family and friends, and I am forever grateful for our leaders who believe in their youth and provide them with opportunities to achieve the impossible like the Emirates National Cadet Pilot Program which is for Emirati’s who wish to become pilots like me. Women are underrepresented in the aviation industry. How do you hope to change that? By inspiring more women to join this field and believe in themselves and their capabilities.
“The UAE’s rapid growth plays an important role in the modern change of career choices. The opportunities provided by the country are countless.” 100 emirateswoman.com
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IMAGE: SUPPLIED
Soaring High
You’re the Goodwill Ambassador for the Swedish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, how does it feel to have achieved this title? I’m proud and honoured to be part of the Swedish Pavilion and working with the Swedish embassy and Expo 2020. Sweden has a special place in my heart and being the connection between Sweden and UAE is a privilege and I’m hoping to achieve more in the future. The UAE supports those who decide to take a new turn in life. How has being based in the region allowed you to re-invent or change the direction of your life or career? The UAE’s rapid growth plays an important role in the modern change of career choices. The opportunities provided by the country are countless when it comes to changing careers and finding new paths. The UAE’s growth has helped us discover new fields and set higher visions. This is The Timelessness Issue – what or who is timeless to you? Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the mother of the UAE. Her support till today sends positive energy to every Emirati female. This year we celebrate the UAE’s 50th Anniversary – what makes this region unique to you? I’m impressed with how rapidly we have grown and how quickly we’ve adapted to the universal mindset. The UAE has visions for the future that not even large advanced countries have. Our leaders are transparent and share what they want to achieve with the world and that motivates the youth to work hard and choose fields relevant to the vision of the country like space for example. There are many opportunities in the UAE and lifestyles that suit all types of cultures and people. This year we celebrate Emirates Woman’s 40th anniversary. How would you now describe the brand and how does it support women in the region and beyond? It’s a great platform that showcases everything a woman can be interested in like fashion and beauty. It’s also a platform that radiates inspiration from every article you read especially the stories of unique women form the region and beyond.
F E AT U R E
10/31/21 3:58 PM
