Leadership roles await women at Dubai Airports, aviation sector

dubai — To ensure that women play an important role in the future of the UAE’s aviation industry, the Dubai Airports has launched new career development programmes targeting Emirati women in managerial and internship positions.

During an event held on the third Emirati Women’s Day, the airport management company announced plans to launch its ‘Aspiring Women’s Programme’ to induct highperforming Emirati women into the company’s future leaders.

The nine-month programme will provide Emirati women with leadership coaching, workplace challenges, workshops, and support to build their network across the organisation and wider airport community. It will ultimately lead to a professional certification recognised by the Institute of Leadership Emirati women work in varied roles, 32% in leadership positions and Management. The programme supports the UAE’s national agenda to achieve gender balance in the workplace and become one of the world’s top 25 countries for gender equality. Today, the Dubai Airports employs more than 200 Emirati women in a wide variety of roles, 32 per cent of which are in leadership positions.

The company has enhanced its family-friendly working environment with extended maternity leave and increased nursing hours that benefit all women. In addition, it is also offering opportunities for the UAE nationals to pursue higher education by offering scholarships and study leave.

Ann-Marie Campbell, executive vice-president of human resources and development at Dubai Airports, said: “We believe this programme will harness the potential of the many dynamic Emirati women in our organisation. The passion and commitment of the Emirati women who strive to exceed in their professional lives is truly inspirational and is sure to enhance their professional careers and the future of this great country.”

With the aviation sector predicted to support more than 750,000 jobs in Dubai by 2020, which corresponds to almost 30 per cent of all projected employment in the emirate. The internship scheme focuses on the future generation, with the programme currently dominated by female interns.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com