Abu Dhabi: The first Emirati female pilot to serve in the UAE Air Force (UAEAF) said she is deeply honoured to be selected as a winner of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award.
The recognition comes after a long road of dedication to her studies and adhering to a dream to someday soar high above the clouds whilst serving her country among the ranks of thousands of military personnel in the air force.
“It has been always my dream to pursue a career in aviation, although I knew the competition would be very strong in such a male-dominated field; however, I wanted to accept the challenge and prove that nothing is impossible. My family encouraged me to join the Khalifa Aviation College,” Captain Mariam Al Mansouri, 35, told Gulf News.
“Aviation is a different experience. It built my confidence. It was my aspiration since I finished high school,” said Captain Mariam, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UAE University.
The UAE does not only encourage female participation in key areas such as aviation, but also in health, ministerial posts, judiciary and many others.
At a time of reports of elderly people being abused and neglected, Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi was awarded for her initial outstanding efforts in providing medical care and social support for them.
Dr Salwa, director of the Family Gathering Centre, was surprised to win the Prime Minister’s medal in Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I did not expect to be one of the winners; however, I am pleased that my services have proved to be effective and beneficial to all UAE citizens especially for elderly. I have worked in Dubai Health Authority for almost 14 years and I was the first Emirati female to specialise in providing medical care for the elderly,” Dr Salwa, told Gulf News.
“The elderly compromise five per cent of the Emirati population; in 2023, it is expected to increase to 11 per cent and, in 2050, it is expected to increase to 19 per cent, which is the quarter of the whole Emirati population,” Dr Salwa said.
“I have established the first unit for elderly at Rashid hospital and the first centre to provide psychiatric care, social support, health care, rehabilitation and occupational services at Dubai Health Authority. I have developed several innovative and rehabilitative techniques that provide the best possible outcome,” she said.
She also pointed out that we must care for the elderly without replacing their home, but rather merge the role of the family with the care of their older loved ones.
“We make sure that their needs are well met,” she added.
Another recipient, Khowla Al Hussaini, who has worked as a math supervisor for about twelve years in Sharjah Educational Zone, told Gulf News: “Math is not about memorising steps and learning long division. We wanted to create a new generation of intelligent youngsters. Therefore, we have integrated some math problems, which are part of the International Mathematical Olympiad, into schools’ intellectual activities as well as curriculum. Such activities can improve the child’s working memory and reduce the complexity of it as a subject.”
Lieutenant Ameenah Al Naqbi in the Ministry of Interior of Sharjah was also honoured for her excellent performance.
“I have participated in creating a culture of security and I was honoured at Khalifa Award for Education earlier. One of the main challenges I faced during my work is that I live in a remote area, where there is lack of training centres. However, those challenges did not stop me from pursuing my dreams and achieve great goals,” Lieutenant Ameenah added.
