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Major Mariam Al Mansouri, she is the UAE’s first female Emirati airforce pilot.
A graduate of Khalifa bin Zayed Air College in 2007, the Major is now a veteran operations pilot, working with F-16 Block 60 aircraft.
Born in Abu Dhabi, she graduated from high school with a 93 per cent grade average before joining UAE University for a BA in English literature. Major Al Mansouri said it was her love for the UAE and her passion for challenge and competition that drew her to the field of aviation.
Support came from her command, her trainers and her colleagues, whose cooperation encouraged her to last in the job and to enjoy it.
During her studies and career, Major Al Mansouri has met several notable figures, including Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation and widow of the founding President, Sheikh Zayed.
Other dignitaries she has been privileged to meet include the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who she met at the Dubai Airshow and the International Defence Exhibition.
For those women who wish to follow in her flightpath, the Major advised “be prepared as it is a time and effort-consuming field that requires a great deal of passion”.