7 June 2026
Emirates has promoted its first Emirati female captains, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and the UAE.
Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri have each received their fourth stripe and are now operating as captains on the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet. Both pilots joined Emirates through the airline’s National Cadet Pilot Programme and have progressed through the ranks over more than a decade with the carrier.
Jawad joined the programme in 2008, while Al Mheiri began her training in 2011. Their promotions make them the first Emirati women to achieve captain status at Emirates.
Jawad, who has logged more than 9,250 flying hours, said her ambition to fly was sparked at the age of 14 after seeing the UAE’s first female pilot on television.
“When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot,” she said.
Captain Bakhita Al Mheiri
Al Mheiri highlighted the role of mentorship throughout her career and said she hopes to support the next generation of aspiring pilots.
“One of the most meaningful lessons I gained throughout this journey was the importance of passing knowledge and experience forward,” she said.
Capt Hassan Alhammadi of Emirates said, “We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates’ first Emirati female captains, a well-deserved achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism and hard work.”
