Saudi Arabia Leads the Charge for Women’s Empowerment in Aviation as WIA General Assembly Unites Global Industry Leaders to Drive Innovation and Diversity in Air Travel

Published on December 3, 2025

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides toward achieving gender equality in the aviation sector, with the Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly set to take place in Riyadh on December 16, 2025. As a key event within the 4th Global Airports Forum, this assembly highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering women in aviation, aligning with the country’s broader vision of inclusivity and progress. With a growing presence of women in leadership roles across airlines, airports, and ground services, this event will not only celebrate achievements but also catalyze further change, uniting global industry leaders to champion diversity, innovation, and equal opportunities in the air travel industry.

Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly to Propel Gender Equality in Aviation at 4th Global Airports Forum in Riyadh

In a monumental move that underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to gender equality, the Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly Middle East chapter will be hosted at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) on December 16, 2025. This high-profile event, set during the 4th Global Airports Forum (GAF), is poised to make history in advancing women’s empowerment within the aviation sector.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Empowering Women in Aviation

Saudi Arabia has been making impressive strides in fostering gender equality across various sectors, and aviation is no exception. The country’s aviation sector has witnessed rapid advancements, with women progressively taking on pivotal roles. A landmark moment came in 2018 when the national carrier, Saudia, hired its first cohort of female pilots, igniting a nationwide movement to break barriers in aviation.

The WIA General Assembly is a vital manifestation of this momentum. Over 500 delegates, including industry leaders, experts, and advocates, will converge in Riyadh to celebrate women’s achievements in aviation. Key sponsors and airline partners such as Red Sea International, Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines, and flyadeal are positioned to support this milestone event. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan is closely aligned with this initiative, highlighting the country’s aspirations to become a global leader in gender equality and women’s empowerment across various industries, particularly aviation.

A Platform for Leadership and Inspiration

The WIA General Assembly will feature a series of high-impact sessions, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and trailblazers to discuss pressing issues and opportunities for women in aviation. The event will showcase remarkable accomplishments and contributions of women in the industry, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in aviation.

The program includes keynote speeches from influential figures like Andrew Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport, and Eng. Wahhaj Hamed Motawie, President of the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation. These speakers will highlight the importance of female empowerment and discuss the future of women in aviation. In addition, the event will feature the prestigious WIA Awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional individuals and initiatives that have made a significant impact on women’s empowerment in the aviation industry. Awards will span categories such as the Sustainable Women Empowerment Initiative, Leadership Women Empowerment Award, and Women in Aviation Empowerment Champion Award.

Scholarships and Career Pathways for Women in Aviation

One of the most anticipated aspects of the WIA General Assembly is the announcement of scholarships aimed at encouraging women to pursue careers in aviation. The event promises to provide valuable resources for aspiring female aviators and other aviation professionals. Moderated by Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, Board Member of WIA Middle East, the assembly will offer a wealth of opportunities for networking and mentorship, further helping women advance in their careers.

Workforce Diversity and the Future of Sustainable Aviation

The WIA General Assembly will also host critical discussions on workplace diversity and sustainability in aviation. A notable session, “Building an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce,” will examine strategies for attracting and retaining women and underrepresented groups in aviation. Expert speakers such as Heba Abozenadah, Talent Management Director at Jeddah Airport, and Dr. Mody Alkhalaf, Director of Talent Development at Riyadh Air, will discuss policies, mentorship programs, and recruitment strategies that ensure equal opportunities for all.

Furthermore, the session on “Navigating the Future of Sustainable Aviation” will focus on the industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Speakers like Dr. Emad Alharbi, Mobility Decarbonisation Director at SWD Futures, and Maryam Telmesani, Vice President of Sustainability at Saudia Group, will discuss how the aviation sector is working towards a greener future, from sustainable aviation fuel to innovative eco-friendly technologies.

Expanding Career Opportunities Beyond Piloting

While piloting remains a coveted career in aviation, there are numerous opportunities for women beyond the cockpit. The session “Career Pathways in Aviation: Beyond Piloting” will delve into alternative careers in airline management, air traffic control, airport operations, and aviation technology. Moderated by Captain Al Harath Bin Sama, a pilot instructor at Intercontinental Aviation Academy, this session will highlight diverse roles that women can pursue in the aviation industry.

Challenges and the Path Ahead for Women in Aviation

Despite the progress made, challenges remain for women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated roles such as pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance technicians. According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) “25by2025” initiative, the aviation industry has set a goal of increasing female representation in senior roles by 25% by the end of 2025. The WIA General Assembly will address these challenges head-on, encouraging discussions on policies and actions needed to accelerate women’s participation in these high-level roles.

Saudi Arabia is leading the charge for gender equality in aviation, with the Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly set to take place in Riyadh on December 16, 2025. This pivotal event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering women and driving diversity within the global air travel industry.

A Vision for the Future of Aviation

The WIA General Assembly in Riyadh not only celebrates the achievements of women in aviation but also paves the way for a more inclusive future. The event’s focus on women’s empowerment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to create a more equitable society where women have the opportunity to thrive in all fields, including aviation. With continued support from industry leaders, government initiatives, and global organizations, the aviation sector is making strides towards achieving gender equality and fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

As the global aviation industry moves forward, the impact of the WIA General Assembly will resonate far beyond the walls of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event represents a transformative moment for women in aviation, empowering them to break barriers, soar to new heights, and shape the future of the industry.