The European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi University, organised an innovative career talk titled “Women in Aviation.”

Held at Abu Dhabi University, the event featured prominent female aviation professionals, including Ms. Samia Adil Othman, Engineer; Mrs. Valentina Leone, Pilot; and Ms. Shaikha Hasan Nawab, Pilot, who shared their experiences to inspire and empower female students to pursue careers in the aviation sector.

This event marked the fourth session in the EU Career Talk series, designed to expand career opportunities for young women in higher education by introducing them to a variety of professional pathways. The “Women in Aviation” Career Talk aimed to challenge the notion of aviation as a male-dominated field, promote female leadership, and showcase the significant contributions of women from the EU and UAE in shaping the future of global aviation.

The initiative underscored the commitment of the EU Delegation to the UAE, Etihad Airways, and Abu Dhabi University to advancing gender equality and creating more opportunities for women in aviation and other industries.

Her Excellency Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE stated, “Let us continue to support and inspire the next generation of women aviators, ensuring that the sky is truly the limit for all.”

Abu Dhabi University’s Chancellor, Prof. Ghassan Aouad noted, “At Abu Dhabi University, we are committed to empowering women to excel in any field and break barriers. Through our partnership with the EU Delegation and Etihad Airways, we connect students with industry leaders who share their insights, challenges, and successes, helping shape the next generation of women leaders.”

Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad said, “At Etihad, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work culture where diversity thrives. Being the first woman to be promoted to an executive level within the airline was a significant milestone, I believe that women across all different work sectors are making a substantial difference, contributing to the success of the aviation sector and the UAE as a whole.”

This event is part of the EU Delegation’s Career Talks series, which hosts inspiring and informative sessions designed to empower young women in the UAE who aspire to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries.