The Emirates Group is a global leader in aviation and travel. The group has made significant strides in empowering women within its workforce. Emirates Group’s women workforce makes up 38% of its Emirati employees. The Emirates Group is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. This dedication has led to the largest intake of Emirati women in the company’s history during the last financial year.
Celebrating Emirati women’s contributions
On August 28, in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, the Emirates Group recognised the invaluable contributions of Emirati women to the aviation and travel industries in the UAE. These women are way more than just employees. They are pioneers, carving out successful career paths across various business functions. Their work is laying the groundwork for the next generation of aviation professionals. It further strengthens the Group’s commitment to integrating Emirati women into the UAE’s burgeoning aviation sector.
The Group’s efforts to empower these women go beyond mere employment. The Emirates Group provides them with the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to excel in their roles. Moreover, this approach ensures that Emirati women can thrive in their careers and reach their full potential within the company.
Emirates Group’s women workforce in leadership roles
One of the most notable achievements of the Emirates Group is the significant increase in Emirati women holding leadership positions. Over the past year, the Group has seen a 20% growth in the number of Emirati women in leadership roles, bringing the total to over 200. These women are instrumental in driving growth across various business functions within the organisation.
In March 2024, the Emirates Group took another bold step by promoting five Emirati female leaders to senior executive positions in key Human Resources and Commercial Support departments. This move not only highlights the Group’s commitment to gender diversity but also underscores the vital role that Emirati women play in the company’s success.
Skills development: Nurturing future leaders
The Emirates Group has long recognised the importance of continuous professional development for its employees. Over the past two decades, the Group has invested heavily in mentorship and training programs designed to enhance the leadership skills and career prospects of Emirati women.
These initiatives include access to industry-leading leadership programs such as the Rolls-Royce and Airbus Leadership Programmes, as well as the GE Aviation Programme. Additionally, the Group offers its female leaders the opportunity to participate in the INSEAD Women Leaders Programme, which empowers them to lead with impact and drive meaningful professional change.
In the last 12 months alone, more than 70 Emirati women have completed one or more of these prestigious programs. These programs equipped them with the tools they need to advance in their careers. The Emirates Group’s commitment to education extends beyond leadership training. For example, last year, the company sponsored three Emirati female employees to pursue postgraduate studies at three of the world’s top 100 ranked universities.
The final thoughts
The Emirates Group’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is evident in its efforts to empower Emirati women. By providing them with opportunities for professional growth and leadership, the Group enhances its own operations. Moreover, it also shows how the group contributes to the broader goal of gender equality in the UAE’s aviation sector. As the Group continues to support and develop its Emirati women workforce, it sets a powerful example for other organisations to follow.
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