The Firsts: GCC Women Who Drove Change By Being Trailblazers

In the wake of International Women's Day on March 8th, we at Inc. Arabia are continuing the celebrations this month by highlighting three women from the GCC whose groundbreaking career journeys have reshaped their respective industries. 

Through their resilience and determination, these women – Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer, Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female filmmaker, and Mishaal Ashemimry, the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC – have broken new ground with their achievements. And now, they are inspiring the next generation of women in the region. 

In capturing their thoughts on what it means to be a pioneer in their industry, these women's insights serve as a powerful reminder that being “the first” is never just about personal success — it’s about opening doors for those who follow. 

Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi 

Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi. Courtesy of Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi.

As the first Emirati female aircraft engineer, Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi’s fascination with aviation began in childhood, sparked by a deep curiosity about flying. “From a young age, I was captivated by airplanes and how they worked," Al Shamsi recalls. "I remember watching them take off and land, wondering about the mechanics behind their flight."

Determined to turn her passion into a career, she pursued aviation engineering, despite it being an unconventional path for women in the UAE at the time. “I was inspired by the pioneers of aviation, as well as by the challenge itself — proving that women can excel in technical fields traditionally dominated by men,” she shares. 

But breaking into a male-dominated industry came with its own set of hurdles for Al Shamsi. “One of the biggest challenges was gaining acceptance in a male-dominated industry," she reveals. "There were moments when people doubted my abilities simply because I was a woman. I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged in this field." 

Al Shamsi tells us that one of the keys to her success was surrounding herself with a network that believed in her. “I also had the support of mentors and leaders who encouraged me to keep pushing forward," she says. "My journey wasn’t easy, but my passion and determination made every challenge worth it."  

Being the first woman in her field is more than just a personal achievement, however, and Al Shamsi believes it carries a great responsibility. “Once a woman enters and excels in a male-dominated space, it sets a precedent and opens doors for others,” Al Shamsi says, adding that representation plays a crucial role in shifting perceptions, especially for young girls. “When young girls see women in leadership roles or technical careers, it changes their perception of what is possible," she notes. "It also challenges organizations to rethink their approach to diversity and inclusion. I believe every woman who breaks a barrier makes it easier for the next generation to do the same." 

When asked how each of us can go about empowering women, Al Shamsi replies, “Organizations can support women by creating inclusive work environments, mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives. Communities should promote the idea that women can and should pursue careers in any field they choose. Support doesn’t always have to be grand — it can be as simple as encouraging young girls to believe in themselves and their capabilities." 

Al Shamsi also notes that mentorship and advocacy are key to empowering the next generation of women. “One of the most effective ways to ‘pay it forward’ is through mentorship and advocacy," she says. "Women who have established themselves in their industries should actively support young women entering the field. This can be done by sharing knowledge, providing opportunities, and offering guidance." 

Al Shamsi adds that sharing personal experiences — both struggles and successes — can have a powerful impact. “I also believe in visibility — sharing our journeys, struggles, and successes so that others can learn from them. Representation matters, and when young women see others achieving success, it motivates them to pursue their dreams,” she concludes. 

Nayla Al Khaja 

Nayla Al Khaja. Courtesy of Nayla Al Khaja.

For Nayla Al Khaja, the first female screenwriter, director, and producer in the United Arab Emirates, filmmaking was born out of both curiosity and defiance. “My journey into filmmaking started with pure curiosity and rebellion — curiosity about stories that weren’t being told, and rebellion against the idea that filmmaking wasn’t a viable career for an Emirati woman,” she shares. 

From a young age, Al Khaja was captivated by cinema, yet there was no clear path for Emirati women in that field. “I grew up fascinated by cinema, but there was no roadmap for someone like me to become a director," she says. "That only fueled my determination." But her passion for storytelling also went beyond personal ambition. Al Khaja sought to bring complex narratives to life — ones that reflected the richness of Emirati culture, while connecting with audiences worldwide. “I wanted to tell bold, layered stories that reflect the depth of our culture while resonating globally,” Al Khaja states. 

Al Khaja tells us that her personal experience breaking into the film industry was about more than just mastering the craft — it was about challenging deep-rooted perceptions. “Being the first at anything comes with resistance," she says. "The biggest challenge was proving that an Emirati woman could lead in a male-dominated industry." However, when faced with an industry that lacked representation of Emirati voices, Al Khaja refused to wait for change, and instead became the change herself. “The lack of representation of Emirati narratives on screen pushed me to carve my own path,” she says.  

One of the most difficult obstacles Al Khaja encountered was securing funding and gaining industry acceptance. “Funding was difficult, doors were often closed, and I constantly had to justify my presence in the room,” she admits. And like any trailblazer, Al Khaja experienced moments of insecurity, but she refused to let them define her. “Did I doubt myself? Of course," she says. "But doubt is just a test of how badly you want something. I overcame it by betting on myself every single time. Persistence, resilience, and surrounding myself with the right people kept me going.”  

She adds that having a strong support system is key to success, even though she often struggled to gain acceptance from those closest to her in the beginning. “My family didn’t fully understand my choice at first, but over time, they saw my commitment and supported me," Al Khaja says. "Having mentors and allies in the industry was also crucial — they opened doors and gave me the confidence to keep going." 

According to Al Khaja, being the first Emirati female filmmaker is both a challenge and a chance to create lasting change. “Being the first is a responsibility, but also an opportunity to pave the way," she says. "It shows that the door can be opened, that success is possible." She also believes that it is a key to inspiring the next generation. “Visibility matters — when young women see someone who looks like them breaking barriers, it plants the seed that they, too, belong in that space,” Al Khaja explains. 

Al Khaja tells us that, in her opinion, changing perceptions of what is possible comes from mentorship and advocacy. “We pay it forward by sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and actively mentoring the next generation," she says. "If we break through a glass ceiling, it’s our duty to make sure no one else has to start from scratch." But true progress, she says, comes from actively creating opportunities for others. “Representation alone is not enough — we need to advocate for real change,” she adds. 

As a filmmaker, Al Khaja sees herself as committed to opening doors for young women in the industry by offering mentorship, industry insights, and advocating for funding opportunities that can support female-led projects. “Communities and organizations can do more by investing in female talent, funding projects by women, and creating inclusive workspaces," Al Khaja says. "Support isn’t just about words — it’s about action. Give women a seat at the table, back their projects, and amplify their voices." She adds, "If we lift each other up, we all rise together,” emphasizing the power of women supporting women in creating lasting change. 

According to Al Khaja, when women are given the resources and the recognition that they deserve, perceptions of what is possible will change. “I want my journey to remove the question of possibility for future female filmmakers — so they won’t have to fight the same battles, but instead, push creative boundaries,” she concludes.  

Mishaal Ashemimry

Mishaal Ashemimry. Courtesy of Mishaal Ashemimry.

Mishaal Ashemimry’s journey to becoming the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC began when she was just a child sitting under the vast desert sky in Saudi Arabia.

“When I was just six, my mom took me to the desert in Onaizah on a night when the sky was so clear, it felt like the stars could reach out and touch us," she recalls. "I was mesmerized by the stars, their twinkling lights sparking a deep curiosity in me. I wondered endlessly about what they were, why some flickered while others shone steadily, and why they varied in color from reddish to bluish hues. It was as though the stars were calling me to understand them."  

As she searched for answers, she realized the best way to truly grasp the mysteries of the cosmos was to get closer to them — and that could happen with the use of, well, rockets. This realization thus became the catalyst for Ashemimry’s journey into aerospace engineering. 

Her pursuit of knowledge led her to go back to the United States, where she was born and spent most of her early years, and where she later earned a bachelor's and master's degree in aerospace engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. She then gained extensive experience in the aerospace industry, working on over 22 different rocket programs, specializing in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and wind tunnel testing. Her expertise positioned her as a leading voice in the field, and, at the age of 26, she founded her own aerospace company, Mishaal Aerospace, to develop cost-effective space launch systems for small satellites.

For Ashemimry, space exploration is more than a scientific pursuit — it represents a transformative opportunity for nations like Saudi Arabia. “As we embark on this journey, it’s crucial for the Kingdom to leverage its existing strengths in various sectors and apply them to the challenges of space,” she says. With interdisciplinary collaboration as a driving force, she believes space exploration can be a powerful tool to drive economic diversification, foster innovation, and inspire a new generation of Saudi scientists and engineers. 

Ashemimry’s journey has evolved beyond personal accomplishments, as she has largely shifted her focus to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young people. “My goal has always been to ignite interest among young people, encouraging them to become the scientists and engineers of tomorrow — an aspiration I had long before Saudi Arabia had any formal interest in establishing a space sector,” she adds. 

Her passion for STEM education grew out of a desire to bridge a critical gap — access to Arabic content on space and science. “Recognizing the need to present these subjects in a language that resonates with our youth, I decided to use social media as a platform to disseminate knowledge and foster a love for STEM,” Ashemimry says. Initially, Ashemimry’s Arabic wasn’t as strong as it is now due to her upbringing in the United States, but she saw the challenge as an opportunity to educate the masses as well as to improve her own language skills. “As I pushed myself to share more topics, I became more adept at communicating complex concepts in Arabic, ultimately enriching my ability to engage with my audience,” she explains.

By making STEM accessible, Ashemimry hopes to inspire future generations to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Although she believes that there has been progress, Ashemimry acknowledges that the gender gap in STEM education persists in Saudi Arabia, particularly at the university level. “Historically, certain STEM disciplines, such as aerospace engineering, weren't widely offered in Saudi universities, because those fields did not exist locally and were not available to either gender,” she points out.  

Additionally, the formerly gender-segregated education system created challenges in access for women, she tells us. However, as interest in STEM grows, institutions are expanding their offerings. “More STEM fields are being introduced in universities, and there's growing interest in areas like aerospace engineering," Ashemimry says. "This burgeoning demand in the workforce is pushing institutions to enhance their offerings. Although aerospace remains a nascent focus, both male and female universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of these fields."

Now, through her advocacy, Ashemimry aims to create an inclusive environment where young women feel encouraged to engage in STEM education. By organizing workshops, mentorship initiatives, and outreach programs, Ashemimry works to shift perceptions and break down barriers that have historically limited women’s access to STEM fields in the region. “By continuing to advocate for inclusivity and supporting female students, I believe we can help cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future,” she says.

She adds, “My programs specifically address these challenges by promoting inclusivity, and raising awareness about the opportunities available to both boys and girls. I aim to create an environment where young women feel empowered to pursue STEM by showcasing successful role models and providing resources tailored to their needs."

Ashemimry believes that providing hands-on learning opportunities is key to fostering a deeper interest in STEM. “Additionally, I organize hands-on workshops, STEM camps, and mentorship programs specifically designed to engage and inspire girls,” she says. “These initiatives provide them with practical skills and real-world applications, allowing them to explore science and technology in a supportive environment. It’s about creating a community where they feel valued and encouraged to excel.”

Through her advocacy, Ashemimry also showcases women’s contributions to STEM, driven by the belief that fostering a culture of encouragement can inspire young women to dream bigger. “By illustrating that they now have opportunities that I didn’t have growing up, I want to instill a sense of hope and motivation," she says. "It’s essential for young Saudis to see that they can pursue careers in specialized fields, and that they have a chance to contribute actively to the growth of our nation's space and technology sectors."

By leveraging social media, Ashemimry aims to inspire and educate young women about careers in STEM. “I emphasize storytelling through social media, using my platform to share my experiences—how I navigated challenges, the importance of pursuing one's passion, and the potential career paths in STEM that are now becoming available in Saudi Arabia,” she says. “By showcasing successful women in these fields and demonstrating that I overcame obstacles, I aim to foster a sense of possibility and empowerment in young girls.”

Beyond aerospace, Ashemimry envisions STEM programs preparing the next generation for specialized careers in fields like nuclear technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI). “My approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of these disciplines, particularly how innovations in space exploration can lead to advancements on Earth and vice versa,” she shares. She also highlights the importance of nuclear technology for long-duration space missions, the medical breakthroughs derived from microgravity research, and the vast applications of AI across industries. “Ultimately, by linking the fascinating world of space to earthly applications and emphasizing the importance of AI, I believe my programs can inspire a diverse generation of students to explore specialized careers that have the potential to make a significant impact on both our planet and beyond,” Ashemimry says. 

The legacy Ashemimry hopes to leave behind is one of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. “I envision a future where young Saudis, especially girls, are inspired to pursue their passions in science and technology, contributing to a vibrant and diverse workforce that drives the Kingdom’s growth in these critical fields,” she adds. 

Her vision extends beyond national borders, as she aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global player in both space and in STEM fields in general. “I hope that through my initiatives, we can cultivate a generation of thinkers and doers who are not only well-equipped for the future but who also recognize the importance of using their skills for the betterment of humanity and the protection of our planet,” she concludes. 

Pictured in the lead image from left to right: Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi, Mishaal Ashemimry and Nayla Al Khaja.