Marwa Al Mamari’s journey is one of courage, persistence, and breaking barriers. Recognised as one of the pioneering Emirati women in the field of aerospace engineering, she has become a powerful symbol of how Emirati women continue to shape the nation’s progress across science, technology, and innovation. From stepping away from the traditional path expected of high-achieving students to entering a male-dominated industry with little precedent for women, Marwa carved her own path through determination and belief in her abilities.
Today, alongside her contributions to aviation safety and accident prevention at the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), she is pursuing a PhD focused on artificial intelligence and human factors in aviation—driven by a vision of creating a safer future for the industry. Balancing motherhood, leadership, and a groundbreaking career, Marwa’s story reflects the resilience and ambition that define a new generation of Emirati women in STEM.
In this interview, she shares the challenges, milestones, and lessons that shaped her extraordinary journey.
1. What first inspired you to pursue a career in aviation engineering, a field that has traditionally been male-dominated?
Interestingly, aerospace engineering was never a childhood dream for me. My decision came during the final year of school, when I realized I wanted a career that would truly challenge me, push me out of my comfort zone, and allow me to contribute to something meaningful on a global scale. Aviation fascinated me because it combines innovation, precision, responsibility, and human lives all together in one industry.
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field did not discourage me; instead, it motivated me even more. I wanted to prove that passion, dedication, and capability are not defined by gender. Today, being recognized as the first Emirati aerospace engineer is something I carry with great pride and responsibility, because it is not only about personal achievement, but also about opening doors for future generations of young Emirati women.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was entering a field where there were very few women, and almost no Emirati women, in technical aviation and aerospace roles at the time. There were moments where I had to work twice as hard to prove myself and gain trust in highly technical and operational environments.
Another challenge was balancing personal growth, professional responsibilities, and continuous education. Working in aviation safety while pursuing advanced studies in aviation safety and artificial intelligence required discipline and resilience.
What helped me overcome these challenges was believing deeply in my purpose, surrounding myself with supportive mentors, and remembering that every obstacle was part of a larger mission. The support of the UAE leadership also played a huge role in empowering women like myself to step into industries that once seemed inaccessible.
3. How do you see the future of the aviation and aerospace industry in the UAE and the wider GCC region?
The future is incredibly promising. The UAE and the GCC are no longer just participants in the aviation industry, they are becoming global leaders shaping its future. We are seeing massive investments in advanced technologies, sustainability, artificial intelligence, smart airports, unmanned aerial systems, and even space exploration.
The UAE in particular has positioned itself as a global hub for innovation and ambitious projects. I believe the next phase will focus heavily on sustainable aviation, AI-driven operations, advanced safety systems, and local talent development. The region has both the vision and the leadership needed to become one of the world’s most influential aviation ecosystems.
4. In your opinion, what role do innovation and technology play in shaping the next generation of aviation?
Innovation and technology are at the heart of aviation’s future. From artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance to autonomous systems and advanced safety analytics, technology is transforming how we design, operate, and secure aviation systems.
In aviation safety specifically, AI has the potential to move us from reactive safety approaches to predictive and preventive safety models. Instead of waiting for incidents to happen, we can identify risks before they escalate.
Technology is also improving passenger experience, operational efficiency, sustainability, and training capabilities. However, while technology is essential, the human factor will always remain critical. The future of aviation will depend on creating a strong balance between advanced systems and human decision-making.
5. As a successful Emirati woman in STEM, what message would you like to share with young women who aspire to enter engineering and technology fields?
Do not let fear, stereotypes, or self-doubt define your limits. Sometimes the biggest barrier is not society, it is the voice inside you that questions whether you belong. You do belong.
Engineering and technology need diversity, creativity, empathy, and different perspectives. Women bring immense value to these industries. My advice is to stay curious, stay resilient, and never underestimate the power of consistency and hard work.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to be the first. Being the first may feel lonely at times, but it also means you are creating a path for others to follow.
6. The UAE has become a global hub for aviation and space exploration. What opportunities do you believe are still untapped in this sector?
I believe one of the biggest untapped opportunities is further investment in aviation research and development led by local talent. We have incredible infrastructure and global partnerships, but there is still huge potential in creating more regional innovation centers focused on AI, safety technologies, sustainability, and future mobility.
Another opportunity lies in encouraging more youth participation in specialized aerospace and aviation fields, especially among women. We also have strong potential in areas such as advanced air mobility, drone technologies, aviation cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels.
The future belongs to nations that invest not only in technology, but also in human capital and knowledge creation.
7. How important are mentorship and education in developing local talent for the aviation industry?
They are absolutely essential. Mentorship can completely change someone’s journey. Having mentors who believe in you, guide you, and help you navigate challenges makes a tremendous difference, especially in highly specialized industries like aviation.
Education is equally important because aviation is an industry that evolves constantly. We need academic programs that are closely connected to real industry challenges and emerging technologies.
This is one of the reasons why I am passionate about teaching and engaging with students. I believe knowledge should not remain limited to classrooms; students need practical exposure, industry interaction, and real-world experiences to truly grow into future leaders.
8. Looking ahead, what are your personal ambitions, and what kind of impact would you like to leave on the aviation sector in the Middle East?
My ambition is to continue contributing to the advancement of aviation safety, aerospace innovation, and education in the region. I hope to play a role in shaping the future of aviation and space technologies through research, innovation, and the development of advanced aerospace and space systems that can positively impact the industry both regionally and globally.
I am particularly passionate about the future intersection between aerospace engineering, aviation safety, space exploration, astrophysics, and emerging technologies. The UAE has already positioned itself as a global leader in aviation and space exploration, and I aspire to contribute to this vision by supporting innovation, scientific advancement, and knowledge development that can help shape the next generation of aerospace achievements in the Middle East.
On a personal level, I want my journey to show young people, especially young Emirati women, that they should never limit their ambitions. I hope the impact I leave behind is not only through technical contributions, but also through inspiring future generations to pursue fields they once believed were impossible.
If my story encourages even one young girl to believe in herself and pursue engineering, aviation, astrophysics, space sciences, or any STEM field, then I would consider that one of my greatest achievements.
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