Dubai, UAE–” We collaborate for Tomorrow,” a theme chosen by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), for this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated today on August 28.
The theme was chosen to coincide with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s proclamation that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability,” demonstrating the country’s dedication to developing novel approaches to resolving issues related to sustainability.
Thanks to the UAE’s women empowerment legislation, Emirati women have been able to break through barriers and take on increasingly prominent roles in the corporate world over the years. Let’s check together the successful journey of 3 Emirati women who work in the automotive sector.
Opportunities, not challenges
Khadija Hassan Ahmed Hassan AlHammadi is almost closing her first year at Al Masaood Automobiles Nissan in the centralized delivery center; she studied Business Administration.
As an Emirati woman working in the automobile field, Khadija assures that she didn’t face any challenges in pursuing her career. She got all the encouragement from her family, even though she was the first to work in this sector.
In an interview with TRENDS, she added: “In this day and age, Emirati women are venturing into all fields: automotive, aviation, aerospace.. so there are no fields that are off-limits for her, especially with the continual encouragement from our wise leadership for Emirati women to prove themselves and push their boundaries”.
You can face any challenge with strength and determination, especially as we have HH Sheikha Fatma as a role model and our esteemed leadership as constant supporters to us.
Khadija Hassan Ahmed Hassan AlHammadi – Centralised Delivery Centre – AMA Nissan
Khadija doesn’t see challenges but opportunities to learn new things and acquire new skills. She explains: “I am new to the automotive sector, but since joining, I have learned a lot about cars – I am even delving more into the technical specs of vehicles to increase my knowledge – which allows me to pass on this knowledge and information to our customers.”
Khadija doesn’t see that it is hard for women in the UAE to pursue a career in the automobile sector; “Previously, there were cultural restrictions, but these have changed today. Families encourage their daughters to go out and explore new fields, and so do our leaders”, she says.
Automobile: a new territory for women
Fatima Abdullah Rashed Musalam AlMemari has studied public relations and is currently the NM AUH Service Management and Admin at Al Masaood Automobiles Nissan.
Pursuing a career in the automobile sector was challenging for Fatima, especially since it was a new field where men were most likely the majority.
“But it all depends on the person’s character. I see it more as a new opportunity. I am delighted to be exposed to this new field (automotive). Before joining, I did not know about this sector, but I wanted to challenge myself, and in turn, I have learned many new things and acquired new skills on the job”, Fatima says.
Be strong, don’t allow any obstacle to stand in your way: not people/culture/or any other. Give yourself a chance to explore new territories, and always remember you are strong and capable.
Fatima Abdullah Rashed Musalam AlMemari – NM AUH Service Mngt & Admin – AMA Nissan
Describing a woman’s journey who works in the automobile sector, Fatima mentioned that Emirati women are now very progressive and are overcoming restrictive old traditions that may hinder their progress.
The primary motivator for Fatima to overcome career challenges was exposing herself to a new field.
In an interview with TRENDS, she added: “I’m also very pleased to work in this dynamic environment and interact with customers from various cultures and backgrounds and serve their varying needs.”
Fatima sees the automobile sector as a new territory for women; that’s why it is challenging.
But, UAE women are proving their success on a daily basis when accepting the challenges and learning from them.
Limited Opportunities for Emirati women in the automotive sector
Amna Ibrahim Mohammed Ali AlAwadi is a Mechanical Engineer passionate about engines and technical machinery and is currently working as a GOVT—parts Sales Consultant at Al Masaood Automobiles Nissan.
When choosing this major, Amna faced several challenges: “When I first decided to venture into this field, I got a lot of encouragement and feelings of pride from my family. The part that I find challenging is that there are few opportunities for Emirati ladies to get their hands deeper into technical roles; the positions are limited”, she explains.
Nothing is impossible. Emirati women can face and overcome any challenge, and they should never stop pursuing their dreams.
Amna Ibrahim Mohammed Ali AlAwadi – GOVT—parts Sales Consultant at Al Masaood Automobiles Nissan
Amna sees that the automobile sector has evolved through the years, allowing women to be a part of it now.
In an interview with TRENDS, she added: “The society is more understanding now, and the culture is more accepting of women getting into new fields. Today, Emirati women are present in all areas and sectors”.
One of the biggest challenges is the limited opportunities for Emirati women in purely technical areas, sees Amna.
Despite that, she found the motivation in her love for cars, “I wanted to get deeper into this field. If there were a chance to work as a female car technician, I would definitely go for that”, says Amna.
In the automobile sector or any other sector, Amna believes that Emirati women can choose any career they want if they have the will. They need to be given the opportunity and be allowed to prove themselves in new sectors.