Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
At just 20 years old, Ayesha Al Ali, has made history as the first Emirati firewoman at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). Her journey from a high school graduate to a trailblazing firefighter is emblematic of the evolving role of Emirati women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
From Student to Firefighter
Al Ali's foray into the world of firefighting began right after high school. While she is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Abu Dhabi University, Ayesha chose to immerse herself in practical, hands-on experiences in the industrial sector.
Her ambition led her to the National Training Programme run by EGA, where she seized the opportunity to become a firefighter, starting her role earlier this year on February 27 at EGA’s Jebel Ali site.
“The programme provided me with comprehensive training, blending theory with practical skills,” Al Ali told Aletihad in a recent interview. This training covered advanced firefighting techniques and modern equipment, critical for handling emergencies efficiently and confidently.
“The programme also helped me develop personal skills such as teamwork, leadership, and quick decision-making, which have been crucial in enabling me to perform my role as a firefighter effectively,” Al Ali said, noting the integral role of EGA’s supportive environment for women in shaping her career.
In a statement to Aletihad, EGA highlighted its future plans to increase gender diversity within its ranks.
EGA employs over 550 women in the UAE, with more than 195 of them in operational roles. By 2025, the company aims to increase the percentage of women in supervisory positions to 25%, from about 20% today, in addition to raising the percentage of women in all roles to 15% by 2026.
Overcoming Challenges
Being the first Emirati female firefighter at EGA presented unique challenges for Al Ali, including adapting to a traditionally male-dominated environment, and dealing with emergency situations that require quick decision-making and precision in execution.
“I worked hard to prove myself,” Al Ali said. “Practical training at real work sites built my confidence and skills, and the support I received from my colleagues and trainers at EGA was instrumental in overcoming these difficulties. I learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving common goals.”
Balancing Act
Al Ali takes great pride in her role as EGA’s first Emirati female firefighter, an achievement that she believes propels her commitment to contributing to the growth of this vital and evolving sector.
“Being in this position brings significant responsibility, and it motivates me to face challenges head-on,” she said.
This includes juggling her firefighting duties with her studies in Mechanical Engineering. “Effective time management is crucial,” Al Ali admits.
"My work as a firefighter is critical, given that lives depend on my actions and decisions. It's vital for me to start each day fully prepared to meet these responsibilities. This requires meticulous organisation and extra effort to ensure both my own safety and that of those around me while on duty."
Inspirations and Aspirations
Al Ali attributes much of her success to her supportive family and colleagues, including her uncle, Abdul Wahab Al Blooshi, who pushed her to test her abilities in this non-traditional role through his belief in her potential.
“I also received significant motivation from my colleagues at work Omar bin Ahmed, Ahmed Al Mazmi, Saeed Al Rowahi, and the rest of the firefighting team at EGA, who have shown their trust in me as the first Emirati woman in the company’s firefighting department,” she said.
Looking ahead, Al Ali hopes to leverage her firefighting experience to further her career in Mechanical Engineering within EGA. “I hope and believe that through my work and dedication, I will be a source of pride for my family and our leaders.”
To Emirati Young Women: ‘Break the Mould’
Al Ali believes that the UAE sets an example on how a supportive community can empower women to take on leading roles, driving change and growth.
To young Emirati women considering unconventional career paths, she offers a powerful message: “Break the Mould and show the world that Emirati women can achieve the impossible. Seize opportunities, embrace challenges, seek the unconventional, and step out of your comfort zones. Your dedication and ambition can drive change and lead to fulfilling your dreams.”
EGA: Harnessing Young Emirati Talents
In its statement to Aletihad, EGA highlighted its leading role in shaping young Emiratis into skilled professionals through its National Training programmes.
The programmes, ranging from six months to three years, offer comprehensive theoretical and practical training in various roles, including those in smelters, power stations, desalination plants, firefighting, and maintenance. Since their inception in 1982, over 5,000 Emiratis have graduated from these programmes, many of whom have forged successful careers with EGA.
Gender Inclusivity
In November 2022, EGA made strides in gender inclusivity by opening its National Training programmes for technical roles to women for the first time, with over 20 women joining in the first full year.
On Emirati Women’s Day, EGA has launched the “Break the Mould” initiative, which aims to inspire young women with an interest in STEM to follow in the footsteps of pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the UAE’s industrial sector.
Commitment to Emiratisation
The company’s in-focus Emiratisation rate reached 42.6% by the end of 2023, marking one of the highest rates on a like-for-like basis among major industrial companies. Currently, around 1,200 Emirati nationals are employed at EGA, with more than 700 under the age of 35. Last year alone, EGA hired approximately 120 Emiratis, including 37 women.
In its commitment to emiratisation, EGA plans to boost the percentage of Emirati nationals in its workforce by 2% annually, targeting a 48% rate by 2026. The company expects to hire around 500 nationals by the end of that period, aligning with its growth requirements and turnover rates.
