"Being the first Qatari woman to obtain an Air Navigation Services Inspector licence reflects the support and confidence of the wise leadership in Qatari cadres and competencies."
Published: 22 Aug 2026 - 02:36 pm | Last Updated: 22 Aug 2026 - 02:41 pm
Maryam Al Naimi during her interview with Qatar TV
Doha, Qatar: Maryam Al Naimi has become the first Qatari woman to obtain a Certified Inspector Licence in Air Navigation Services, marking a milestone for Qatari women working in highly specialised fields within the country's aviation sector.
Speaking in an interview with Qatar TV, Al Naimi said the achievement represented the culmination of years of work, professional development and continuous learning in aviation.
"This achievement means a lot to me. I consider it the culmination of a long journey of hard work and continuous learning in the aviation sector," she said.
Al Naimi said the significance of the milestone extended beyond her personal career.
"The pride I feel today is doubled because I don't consider it an achievement on a personal level only. Being the first Qatari woman to obtain an Air Navigation Services Inspector licence reflects the support and confidence of the wise leadership in Qatari cadres and competencies," she said.
Al Naimi has built her career in aviation over more than 15 years. She joined the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) in 2010 as an air traffic controller before moving into Air Navigation Services inspection and oversight.
Explaining the process of obtaining the licence, Al Naimi said it involved an extensive professional qualification process rather than a single course or examination.
"The path was not easy. It was not one course or one exam that I had to pass; it was a complete professional journey," she said.
Her transition from air traffic control to inspection also required a fundamental change in the way she approached her work.
"I started in air traffic control and worked as an air traffic controller, so my mindset was operational. When I moved to oversight and inspection, I had to change my way of thinking from an operational mindset to a regulatory one," Al Naimi said.
The qualification process required her to study national aviation regulations as well as international standards issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), before moving on to practical training under the supervision of experienced inspectors.
"I first had to study and understand the national regulations and international standards issued by ICAO. After that, I began practical training under the supervision of experienced inspectors," she said.
Al Naimi credited her colleagues and supervisors for supporting her throughout the process, saying their experience and guidance contributed to her eventually qualifying for the Air Navigation Services Inspector licence.
Her professional responsibilities include assessing the compliance of operational entities with international regulations and standards, conducting audits and inspections, and contributing to the development and enhancement of Qatar's air navigation safety system.
Her career has also included international aviation responsibilities. Al Naimi serves as Vice Chairperson of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Middle East Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group (MIDANPIRG), a regional position reflecting Qatar's participation in international aviation planning and coordination.
She is a graduate of Qatar Aeronautical Academy and holds an advanced master's degree in aviation safety management. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leaders Program at Qatar Leadership Centre.
Al Naimi has said that the growing presence of Qatari women in aviation inspection and oversight reflects expanding opportunities for women to contribute to specialised and operational sectors.
She has also encouraged girls interested in aviation not to be discouraged by the challenges of entering the field, stressing the importance of education, continuous training and professional development.
Her achievement adds to the growing participation of Qatari women across specialised areas of the aviation industry, including air traffic control, aviation safety, regulatory oversight and management, as Qatar continues to develop national expertise alongside the expansion of its aviation sector.
