Abu Dhabi: Three Emirati women have become the first to graduate as masters (captains) of 24-metre vessels from the Maritime Training Centre of Abu Dhabi Ports, a few days ahead of Emirati Women’s Day on August 28.
Sahar Rasti, Fatima Al Khaja and Mahra Al Shamsi graduated along with 10 other students after six-and-a-half months of extensive theoretical and practical training and coursework, according to a press release issued by Abu Dhabi Ports on Wednesday.
Lecturers from the Australian Maritime College conducted the training while the Australian Marine Safety Authority, which is the official representative of the International Maritime Organisation in Australia, issued the certification. The students were required to attend 10 weeks of classes and spend four months at sea to demonstrate their practical experience by completing tasks aboard vessels.
Through the participation of the Emirati women in the maritime sector, the UAE has seen a rise in their contribution to the economy.
Fawziya Al Daheri is a case in point. She is considered to be the first Emirati woman to work as a VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) operator with Abu Dhabi Marine Services, or Safeen, after becoming the first Emirati woman to clear the VTS course.
Over the past year especially, Emirati women have increasingly been stepping into the limelight and taking on new and progressive roles.
Recent accomplishments have included the first Emirati women graduating from Harvard, climbing Alaska’s 6,190-metre Mt Denali and becoming the first Arab woman to compete in next season’s Formula-4.
Captain Mohammad Juma Al Shamsi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports said: We, at Abu Dhabi Ports, are eager to extend every opportunity to our young women and men to develop their capabilities and fulfil their potential. That these young women have graduated through this intensive course sets an example for future generations and shines a light on the career opportunities available in the maritime industry.”
Abu Dhabi Ports is the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the container terminal at Port of Fujairah, and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi.
