In the male-dominated world of aviation, Bakhita Al Mheiri’s journey began with a moment of doubt, quickly silenced by her mother’s empowering advice. As the sole female trainee in the Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme, Bakhita initially struggled to find her footing. However, with the unwavering encouragement of her family—who urged her to "open the door for others"—she persisted through years of rigorous training in Spain. Over a decade later, she stands as one of the first female Emirati captains at Emirates, a milestone she credits to the incredible support system found within her family and the wider UAE community.

Similarly, Hanan Mohammed Jawad found her inspiration after seeing a photo of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a fighter jet, followed by a television interview of the UAE’s first female pilot. Despite her family’s initial protective hesitation, Hanan’s persistence led her to the cockpit, where she now thrives on the unique challenges and breathtaking sunsets of life at 39,000 feet. Having been promoted to captain earlier this month, Hanan serves as a testament to her own mantra: if you have a dream, nothing is impossible, provided you are willing to work hard to achieve it.