Biography – Sheikha Mozah Marwan

Sheikha Mozah

A LEGACY OF WISE
LEADERSHIP

Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum is a prominent member of the Emirati society. She belongs to one of the significant UAE’s ruling family, which is Al Maktoum family, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

The family’s prestigious and historical lineage descends from the Al-Bu Falasah branch of the Bani Yas tribe, a tribal federation with centuries-old leadership throughout the region. Al Maktoum family has ruled Dubai since 1833.

Sheikha Mozah’s grandfather on her mother’s side was the late His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the brother of the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, who promoted the remarkable and innovative development of the recent decades.

This peaceful and prosperous country, with its wise and visionary leadership, has continually impressed the world with radical achievements, multicultural tolerance, robust economy, and contributions on significant global platforms.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is widely credited for his farsighted and powerful outstanding leadership, which has contributed to the remarkable growth, stability, and prosperity – not only of Dubai but, of the UAE and even the gulf region – and it is on a clear journey to become one of the best countries in the world.

Inspiration

SUPPORT FOR OUR EMIRATI WOMEN

Emirati women are amongst the most highly influential in the Middle East. They play significant roles across a multitude of industries, from science and engineering to entrepreneurship and aviation, of which Sheikha Mozah is both a pioneer and an avid supporter.

Inspired by the relentless encouragement from her family, Sheikha Mozah even as a young girl, felt compelled to respond to the call for UAE Youth – and its women in particular – “to rise up with determination” and decided to devote herself to her country putting her considerable talents and passions to service.

Dubai’s Crown Prince, (His Highness) Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, expressed great pride in his cousin, and posted a photograph of himself and Sheikha Mozah on his Instagram account, congratulating her on her pioneering accomplishment of becoming the first member of the royal family to fly as a qualified commercial pilot for Emirates Airlines.

Sheikha Mozah’s is firmly committed to ensure her journey and achievements will serve as inspiration and pave the way for the next generation of Emirati Youth.

The Beginning

Growing Up

Sheikh Mozah was born on 5th December 1996, as a child, she was always eager to chase the thrill of adventure. She was always on the go for many interesting activities such as horse riding, rock climbing, boxing sessions, trampolining, even coasteering in a daring scramble and leap from dizzying rock cliffs when she got the chance.

“ That feeling of anticipation mixed with uncertainty, culminating in an explosion of adrenaline… I am in love with that feeling. It’s always been that way, since I was a child. ”

Sheikha Mozah attended Latifa School for girls in Dubai, but it was on a family holiday to the United Kingdom that she first felt the rush of soaring free as a bird on the wing. Her highness was just 12 years old at the time and that first flying lesson is amongst her most treasured memories.

Her love for the skies had just begun when at the age of 13, she was brave enough to complete her first skydiving jump from an aeroplane! Sheikha Mozah says her loving family has always supported her in her pursuit of action and adventure all the way to her career choices.

It was a hot summer day and I was flying on the Robinson 22 with no doors attached. What I did not expect at the time was how that day was going to change my trajectory and determine most of the choices that led me to where I am today.

- Sheikha Mozah

Education & Career

YOUR ALTITUDE IS
ONLY LIMITED BY
YOUR ATTITUDE

Young Emiratis are encouraged to believe that, in the UAE, nothing is ‘impossible’. When recalling her journey to inspire others to follow their dreams, Sheikha Mozah urges them to boost confidence in themselves and warns against what she calls “limiting beliefs”.

“If we sit there and wait for our dreams to materialize, that day will never come. Many of us are really great at creating boundaries inside our minds”.

Instead she encourages everyone to work hard at it with “Persistence and determination” the core values that helped her reach her goals.

Touching The Sky

YOUNGEST STUDENT AT
AVIATION ACADEMY

At the age of 17, Sheikha Mozah became the youngest student enrolled at Oxford Aviation Academy, one of the world’s leading commercial pilot training schools, which is based in both Oxford Airport, in the UK, and Mesa Falcon Field Airport (Arizona) in the USA.

Sheikha Mozah was on track to attain her Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) First Officer programme. Her number one supporter – her mother – flew with her to academy to see her settled in. Despite the excitement, she knew the challenge she had set herself was not going to be easy.

“I’ll be honest, the first couple of months were tough!” Sheikha Mozah admits. Training alongside university graduates and experienced students, the young Sheikha had to adjust to the enormous study load. Moreover, harnessing the discipline, and the focus required for the difficult theoretical training.

“The truth is, I may actually have had it more difficult than male students at some point, and that was ok. I’ve always faced such situations with a positive attitude. Many of my instructors were actually tough with me because they wanted to ensure that all the grades I got were well-earned.”

Flying Solo

Every aspiring pilot
dreams only of one thing:
the first solo flight

“I woke with so much energy and excitement and, as I drove towards the Arizona sunrise, I could not believe how far I had come! I went through all my pre-flight checks methodically and it all felt quite normal until I got to the runway threshold and felt that major rush of adrenaline and excitement”.

“Then the aircraft finally lifted off the ground. What I felt is difficult to describe. Alone, in the sky… I finally did it!”