The Middle East chapter of the Women in Aviation General Assembly (WIA) is set to hold its annual gathering during the upcoming Global Airports Forum in Riyadh on December 16. This event aims to showcase progress in increasing women's participation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector amid broader societal changes.
Hosted at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the assembly will attract over 500 delegates, including representatives from major universities and aviation organizations. Industry leaders will address issues related to gender diversity, with particular emphasis on fostering inclusive work environments and expanding career opportunities for women beyond traditional roles such as pilots and controllers.
Highlights and Key Topics
The event features awards across ten categories recognizing outstanding contributions by women in aviation, along with keynote speeches from leading figures including Sarah Alfaiz and Egypt’s Captain Nevin Mahmoud Darwish. Panels will explore digital transformation in aviation, sustainable practices, and pathways for young women entering the industry.
"There is a need to find viable ways to enhance the presence of qualified women across airports and aviation domains,"
said Daksha Patel, Event Director of GAF. "Saudi Arabia has made significant strides, with women now holding over 17% of leadership roles, including Riyadh Air’s all-female engineering program."
The gathering underscores ongoing efforts to meet international goals like IATA’s 25by2025, which aims to increase female representation in senior aviation roles to 25 percent by the end of 2025. Industry advocates acknowledge that women remain underrepresented, especially among pilots and technical staff, but initiatives continue to promote diversity and inclusion.
Overall, the event emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders to sustain progress and inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in aviation. It highlights the importance of technological innovations, sustainable practices, and youth engagement in shaping the future of the industry.
