On International Women’s Day, Major Mariam Al Mansouri remains one of the most important figures in the UAE’s modern story as the country’s first female fighter pilot.
A graduate of the UAE Air Force Academy in 2007, Al Mansouri became the first woman in the nation to qualify as a fighter pilot. Flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, she later took part in operational missions against Daesh in Syria in 2014, leading strike sorties that drew international attention.
Her service brought recognition both at home and abroad. She received the Mohammed bin Rashid Pride of the Emirates Medal and was honoured at the United Nations by the Asia Society with the Asia Game Changer Award. Diplomatic officials have described her as a model for women across the region.
Al Mansouri has spoken publicly about focus and preparation, stressing that progress comes from measuring oneself against one’s own standards. In an interview, she noted, “A woman’s passion about something will lead her to achieving what she aspires, and that’s why she should pursue her interests".
Her career unfolded alongside the UAE’s broader push to expand women’s roles in public service, defence, aviation and other sectors. Today, Emirati women serve across the armed forces and occupy senior positions in government, business and academia.
On a day that celebrates achievement and participation, Al Mansouri’s record stands on its own as the account of an officer who trained, deployed and carried out missions under the same standards as her peers. Her presence in the cockpit signalled a shift in perception and her continued service reflects the direction the country has chosen to take.