UAE: Meet the youngest Emirati woman in the region to complete an air traffic control training programme

UAE: Meet the youngest Emirati woman in the region to complete an air traffic control training programme

In a field where only 0.2 per cent of female applicants are accepted into an ATC program, Jouhayna Almheiri is making waves

Published: Tue 23 Aug 2022, 4:03 PM

Following a tough situation where she had to become the sole breadwinner for her family, Jouhayna Almheiri has risen to a position where she has come to represent Emirati women on a global platform. A true warrior in every way, hers is a story of sheer grit, determination and dedication.

Born to an Emirati father and Tanzanian mother, Almheiri studied in Sharjah. Bullied for being mixed race and not knowing Arabic, she had to change schools three times. Yet there is one thing that has remained a constant throughout her life: her work ethic.

Almheiri was assisting her mother at her veterinary practice before she could even speak clearly. “My responsibilities grew with me,” she said. “Soon I was answering the phone and scheduling appointments.”

Towards the end of high school, she had no idea what career path to follow, but she knew that she needed to contribute towards the family income. In a position where she had to become the sole breadwinner for her family, Almheiri looked desperately for a program that would help her