Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Let’s start with your story. Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing shape who you are today?
I grew up in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where both my family and my country played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. At home, I was nurtured in an environment that encouraged curiosity, supported my interests, and gave me the confidence to pursue them wholeheartedly. Beyond that, growing up in the UAE meant being surrounded by a nation that not only invests heavily in opportunity but also instills in its youth the belief that they can become anything they aspire to be. From a very young age, I had access to experiences and resources that broadened my perspective and empowered me to dream big. Without that combination, the nurturing foundation of my family and the empowering environment of Dubai, it would not have been possible for me to be where I am today.
What drew you to aviation? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest in the industry?
From a very young age, I was captivated by airplanes, their design, their power, and the sense of wonder they carried as they soared through the skies. That early infatuation quickly grew into more than just fascination; it became a calling. I knew I wanted a profession that would bring me closer to these incredible machines, not just as a spectator but as someone who understood and worked with them. Over time, my curiosity evolved into a deep appreciation for the precision, innovation, and global connectivity that aviation represents. What excites me most is that aviation isn’t just about technology; it’s about people, progress, and bridging distances. That combination of human connection and technical excellence has kept my passion alive and solidified my desire to be part of this industry.
Have you had your “I made it” moment yet? If so, can you tell us what it looked or felt like?
I was fortunate to experience my “I made it” moment quite early in my career when I was honored with the Best Field Employee Award in 2017, presented to me by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. To be recognized by such a visionary leader was not only a personal milestone but also a powerful reminder of the values instilled in me by my family and my country that dedication, passion, and perseverance never go unnoticed.
That moment reaffirmed that I was on the right path, but it also motivated me to aim even higher. Today, in my current role, every day feels like a continuation of that reward. I take pride in knowing that my work contributes to the advancement of the UAE’s aviation industry, an industry that reflects our nation’s ambition, innovation, and global leadership. For me, the real “I made it” feeling comes from being part of something greater than myself and seeing how my efforts feed into the collective progress of my country.
Who is a woman in leadership who’s had a meaningful impact on you, and why?
A woman in leadership who has had a profound impact on me is Captain Ayesha Al Hamili, the first Emirati female pilot and currently the Assistant Director General of the Air Accident Investigation Sector at the GCAA. What inspires me most about her is her resilience and determination to pursue her passion at a time when it was not common for women to enter such fields. She not only broke barriers but also redefined what was possible for future generations, proving that perseverance and belief can overcome any limitation.
From a young age, her journey taught me that challenges are not obstacles to stop you but opportunities to grow stronger. Watching how she carved her place in aviation despite societal expectations gave me the courage to keep striving, even when I faced difficulties of my own. Her path is a powerful reminder that true leadership lies in paving the way for others, and her legacy continues to fuel my ambition to push boundaries, contribute meaningfully to the aviation industry, and hopefully inspire those who come after me.
What’s one piece of advice or motivation you would give to women who are balancing work, personal life, and striving to build a successful career, especially in a challenging industry like aviation?
My advice would be to embrace balance as a strength, not a limitation. In an industry as demanding as aviation, it’s easy to feel like you have to sacrifice one part of your life for another. But in reality, your personal life and your career can complement and fuel each other when you approach them with intention. Set clear priorities, be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly, and remember that consistency matters more than perfection.
It’s also important to build a support system, whether through family, colleagues, or mentors, because no journey is meant to be walked alone. And finally, never lose sight of why you started. Passion has the power to carry you through the toughest days. Aviation, like many challenging industries, requires resilience, but it also rewards those who bring persistence and heart. If you keep showing up, step by step, you’ll realize that balance is possible and success is within reach.
What is your most unforgettable experience in the aviation sector, whether positive or negative?
One of my most unforgettable experiences in the aviation sector was during the aftermath of the Emirates EK521 accident at Dubai International Airport. I was directly involved in the efforts to bring operations back to normal as quickly and safely as possible, which was a tremendous challenge given the scale of the incident and its impact on both passengers and airport operations.
Beyond the technical and operational aspects, what stayed with me most deeply was the time I spent on the ground, helping search through the wreckage to recover and return the personal belongings of passengers. It was an incredibly emotional experience, holding in my hands the items that carried sentimental value for people, reminding me that behind every flight are human stories, families, and lives that matter.
That moment reinforced for me the true purpose of our work in aviation: safety above all else. While accidents are rare, their consequences are profound, and it is our responsibility as aviation professionals to do everything in our power to prevent them. It was a sobering experience, but also one that gave me a renewed sense of duty and pride in being part of an industry that continually learns, improves, and adapts to protect those who place their trust in us every day.
What changes would you like to see in today’s aviation or in its future?
Looking ahead, I would like to see the aviation industry evolve in ways that ensure both resilience and innovation. In particular, I believe regulators should move from reacting to change to actively shaping the future of aviation. This means investing in research and development, creating regulatory frameworks that are not only robust but also agile enough to accommodate emerging technologies such as advanced air mobility, AI-driven operations, and sustainable aviation solutions. Regulations should not be seen as a barrier but as an enabler, encouraging innovation while safeguarding safety and efficiency.
Another critical area is capacity building. The global aviation sector is already experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, and this challenge will only grow if we don’t address it today. We need stronger initiatives that engage youth early, spark their curiosity about aviation, and provide them with pathways to build meaningful careers in the industry. By investing in training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer, we can create a pipeline of talent that not only fills today’s gaps but also drives tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Ultimately, the changes I’d like to see are about creating an ecosystem where regulation, innovation, and talent development work hand in hand, so aviation continues to be one of the most dynamic, safe, and inspiring industries in the world.
Our sincere thanks to Reem Al Saffar for sharing her journey and insights with us.
We encourage you to follow Reem Al Saffar on LinkedIn to stay updated on aviation developments in the UAE.