UAE’s First Woman Aircraft Engineer on Breaking Barriers and Challenging Aviation Stereotypes.
For 21 years, Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi has challenged perceptions of what women can achieve in one of the world’s most demanding industries. As the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer, she has built a pioneering career at the crossroads of aviation, technology, and leadership — while becoming an inspiration for Emirati women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
On Emirati Women’s Day, Dr. Suaad reflects on her remarkable journey, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she has learned along the way. We caught up with her during an event celebrating Minimalist’s 10th anniversary and Emirati Women’s Day, where she joined a panel discussion. The gathering paid tribute to Emirati culture and heritage, showcasing decades of history, craftsmanship, and tradition.
A childhood fascination with flight
Dr. Suaad’s connection with aviation began in childhood, long before she stepped into the industry. Growing up near Dubai International Airport, she was surrounded by the sights and sounds of aircraft taking off and landing every day.
“My mother’s house was near Dubai International Airport, and as a child, I saw different aircraft and different types of aeroplanes every day. I was fascinated. I was obsessed with knowing who designed them, how they flew, who fixed them, and all the details behind them,” she recalls.
That early curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for aviation and set her on the path to becoming a trailblazer in the field.
That fascination soon evolved into a clear ambition.
“I dreamed of fixing aircraft and learning everything I could about them. Eventually, I discovered a field called Aeronautical Engineering. However, at the time, it was not open to women, so I had to travel to the UK to pursue my studies, complete my education, and then return to Dubai,” she says.
Determined to follow her passion despite the barriers, Dr. Suaad took a path that would eventually make history in the UAE’s aviation industry.
Redefining perceptions of what women can achieve
For Dr. Suaad, becoming an aircraft engineer was about more than building a career — it was about challenging perceptions and expanding the possibilities for women in technical fields.
“I wanted to change the image of women. Not only Emirati or Arab women — I wanted to change the image of women everywhere and show that they can enter male-dominated industries like aviation,” she says.
She also wanted to challenge the idea that pursuing a career in engineering required women to compromise their identity. “I wanted to break the barrier and show that women can still be beautiful, maintain their femininity and their image, and still become aircraft engineers. A woman can be whatever she dreams of becoming.”
Overcoming doubts and proving her capabilities
The journey was not without its challenges. For Dr. Suaad, the greatest obstacle was not the complexity of aviation itself, but the stereotypes surrounding women working in technical and leadership roles.
“The biggest challenge was the perception that women cannot become leaders or work in certain fields, especially technology. I wanted to show the world my capabilities, what I can achieve, and what I can become,” she says.
Through determination and perseverance, Dr. Suaad turned those doubts into motivation, paving the way for future generations of women in aviation and engineering.
For Dr. Suaad, the freedom to choose one’s own path is essential.
“Women should always be the ones to define their own dreams. For me, it was about saying, ‘You are not the person who gets to choose my dream. It is my dream, my life, and my journey — and I need to succeed,’” she says.
Along the way, she also encountered doubts about whether women could balance demanding careers with family responsibilities.
“The main challenge was making people accept that we belong in this field and that we can continue to succeed. There was always a belief that women in this industry could not have a family, be wives, or have children,” she explains.
However, Dr. Suaad’s own experience has shown that professional ambition and family life do not have to be opposing choices. Her journey stands as an example that women can pursue excellence in their careers while embracing personal milestones and responsibilities.
“But Alhamdulillah, I have two boys, and I have been able to succeed at work, at home, and in my field,” she says.
The future of women in aviation
While Dr. Suaad believes the aviation industry has made significant strides in recent years, she says there is still progress to be made — particularly when it comes to increasing women’s representation in leadership roles.
“To be honest, things have changed a lot. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak supports us in our field. Today, we see many women in aviation, but we want to see more women in leadership and higher management positions, especially in maintenance, technology, and science,” she says.
For Dr. Suaad, the goal is not special treatment, but equal recognition based on skills, contributions, and achievements.
“We want equal acceptance, like other genders,” she says.
Dr. Suaad believes that changing perceptions requires moving beyond assumptions and focusing on capability, commitment, and results.
“It is a challenging industry, especially in technology. To be honest, there are still doubts that women should not be in this field because they may focus more on their families. I think we need to change that mindset and focus on the results and outcomes,” she says.
For Dr. Suaad, success is the strongest proof that women can thrive in demanding technical fields while making meaningful contributions to their professions.
