Opening Ceremony

Mervat Sultan, President, Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter

Welcome Address

Keynote Address

Women Shaping the Future of Saudi Aviation: The impact of female leadership in aviation under Vision 2030

Speaker Invited:
Sarah Alfaiz, Strategic Planning and Intelligence Director, MATARAT Holding

WIA 2025 Riyadh – Awards Distribution Ceremony

• Sustainable Women Empowerment Initiative Award
• Global Women Empowerment Award
• Pioneer in Female Aviation Award
• Groundbreaking Women Empowerment Award
• Leadership Women Empowerment Award
• Distinguished Women Empowerment Award
• Best Training Centre Support (WIA-ME)

Panel 1 – Smart Aviation: Women Pioneering the Digital Takeoff

This session will explore how digital advancements are reshaping the aviation industry and how women are leading this transformation through innovation, driving the future of smart airports, AI-driven operations, and next-generation aviation technologies.

Moderator: Dr. Eng. Suaad AlShamsi, Board Member, Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter

Speakers Invited:
• Amal Hejles, Digital Strategy Director, MATARAT Holding
• Buthaina Alghunaim, Airworthiness Engineer, Gulf Air
• Shikha Swarup, Manager Network Planning, Riyadh Air
• Eng. Rana Algowaiz, Executive Director, Saudia Cargo
• Rawan Aljehani, Head of Digital, Data & BI, flyadeal

Panel 2 – Aviation for All – Building an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

This panel will explore the evolving landscape of workplace inclusion in aviation, discussing how companies, policymakers, and leaders are driving diversity efforts. From recruitment strategies to mentorship programs and workplace policies, the discussion will highlight how organisations can
create an environment where women and underrepresented groups thrive.

Moderator: Rachel Akili, Strategic Advisor – Human Capital, daa International

Speakers:
• Heba Abozenadah, Talent Management Director, JedCO
• Nevin Mahmoud Darwish, first Arab female pilot to command an A380
• Natalie J. Salinas, Founder & CEO, Nth Consulting Group
• Dr. Heba Bakr Khoshaim, VP for Women Campus, PSU
• Apiu De Maiwak, Safety Management System Manager (SMS), South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority

Networking Break

Panel 3 – Soaring Beyond Limits: Navigating the Future of Sustainable Aviation

This session explores how airlines, airports, and aviation professionals are driving efforts to make the skies cleaner, greener, and more efficient. The discussion will highlight the contributions of female leaders, engineers, and sustainability advocates who are shaping the future of aviation through key initiatives in carbon reduction, eco-friendly airport operations, and the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Moderator: Sohail Ali, Senior VP Operations, AES Global

Speakers Invited:
• Aline Rallabiet, Carbon Expert, Cluster2
• Dr. Emad Alharbi, Mobility Decarbonisation Director, SWD Futures
• Maryam Telmesani, VP of Sustainability, SAUDIA Group

Keynote 2 – Transforming Travel: From Operational Excellence to Passenger-Centric Innovation

Speakers Invited:
Sumayyah Khawaji, Director, Operations Efficiency & Standardisation, Catrion

Coffee & Networking Break

Special Session – From Classrooms to Cockpits: Young Voices Taking on Aviation’s Future

This session highlights the rising generation of aviation leaders from the Middle East and Africa – students,
recent graduates, and young professionals, who are already making their mark. From academic excellence
and innovative research to bold ideas on sustainability, technology, and inclusion, these emerging voices will
share their journeys, challenges, and vision for the future of aviation in the region.

Moderator: Nora Almohizai, Space Generation Advisory Council

Speakers:
• Eithar Alyaqoub, Safety and Quality Specialist Aerospace Engineer, Saudi Airlines
• Medilna Amel, Commercial Pilot
• Abir Dali, Student Pilot and a Chemical Engineer
• Norah Alqahtani, Aerospace Engineer, King Khalid International Airport

Panel 5 – Career Pathways in Aviation: Beyond Piloting

This session will explore alternative career pathways in aviation, showcasing opportunities in airline management, airport operations, aviation engineering, air traffic control, sustainability, and emerging aviation technologies.

Moderator: Captain Al Harath Bin Sama, Pilot Instructor, Intercontinental Aviation Academy

Speakers Invited:
• Liana Coyne, Director, Coyne Airways
• Dr. Sofia Mateou, Associate Professor, Aviation Management, PSU
• Marvi Bilal, Deputy Director – Commercial, Pakistan Airports Authority
• Ohoud Alfatta, Specialist, Sales and Marketing, Saudia Academy
• Nouf Abdulkarim, Sucession Planning & Leadership Development Sr. Manager, Riyadh Airports

Closing Ceremony and End of Programme