Emirates' female pilots travel to 5 continents for UAE Women's Day

The UAE has been annually marking the Emirati Women's Day on August 28 since 2015. Things aren't so different this year as the country is celebrating the achievements of its women both online and off. 

The nation's Emirates Airlines made sure to join in on the festivities, honoring five of its female pilots for their "soaring success." To mark the day, airwomen Hanan Mohamed, Bakhita AlMheiri, Ayesha Yousuf, Nouf Omar, and Maryam bin Ismail piloted aircrafts en-route to five different continents on the same day. 

The move is meant to "show that the sky is the limits for the ambitions of women across the country." 

"Emirati women are icons of tolerance, exemplifying the core values held by our community via their care, determination, ability to nurture future generations, and pursue success in their various fields of work," Emirates' chairman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said.

"Their hard work and talent have helped build our company and nation, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all Emirati women for setting new benchmarks and continuing to make us proud," he added. 

The Emirati carrier reportedly employs over 1,100 women in its ranks, with roles ranging "from flight operations and engineering positions to financial and customer service."

The leader marked the occasion with a post on Twitter. 

"On the Emirati Women's Day which takes place on the 28th of August every year... we honor and celebrate the mother, sister, wife and daughter... we celebrate the partner in the journey. We celebrate the mother of martyrs... we celebrate the achievements of women in all the country's fields. We also thank the UAE's mother Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. May every year make you greater and more beautiful, you're the hearts of our nation," he wrote. 

The Emirati Women's Day was launched in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. 

The occasion's date was selected by Sheikha Fatima because it marks the day the UAE launched its General Women's Union on Aug. 28, 1975.

The annual celebration "aims to recognize the contribution of the nation's women and their role in the development and advancement of the UAE."