Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, together with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, met with UAE national pilots from Emirates at the Dubai Airshow 2025. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was informed about their contribution to the airline's operations and their role in enhancing its global presence in the civil aviation sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the reception at the Royal Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Emirati pilots and praised Emirates' dedication to nurturing Emirati aviation talent. He emphasized that Emirati talent is integral to the UAE's aviation future, highlighting the leadership's confidence in the people's capacity to drive progress and enhance global competitiveness, particularly in advanced technology sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that the commitment of Emirati youth to excel in aviation embodies the spirit of achievement that characterizes the UAE. He expressed trust in the Emirati talent's potential to foster innovation and elevate the country's status in advanced technology arenas.
He also acknowledged the increasing presence of Emirati women in various sectors, including aviation, describing their involvement in specialized roles as a noteworthy success story that enhances diversity, capability, and sustainable growth in the industry. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that investing in people is central to the UAE's vision for the future.
The gathering demonstrated H.H. Sheikh Mohammed's ongoing commitment to developing national talent and increasing the involvement of Emirati youth and women in strategic forward-looking sectors.
The 40 Emirati pilots present, including two women, expressed their pride at meeting His Highness and praised his steadfast support. They reiterated their commitment to excellence and to representing the UAE with distinction on the international stage.
Emirates, guided by visionary leadership that values human capital as crucial to national progress, has positioned itself at the forefront of developing the next generation of Emirati aviation expertise. With nearly 900 UAE Nationals serving as Captains and First Officers across Emirates' global operations and over 300 cadets in training at Emirates Flight Training Academy, the airline continues to cultivate a strong pipeline of UAE National aviation professionals. This commitment not only supports the UAE's Emiratisation goals but also addresses Emirates' future demand and long-term operational needs, fostering technical expertise within the UAE National workforce from cadet training to command positions.