Internationally famous Emirati 5-16 fighter pilot Mariam Al Mansouri just received the Asia Game Changer Award at Asia Society’s Game Changer Awards.
She was presented the prestigious recognition at the event held at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
Mansouri shot to international media fame last year for her leading role in the UAE's offense against ISIS.
Along with eight other honorees, Mansouri received the recognition for her status as a role-model for Arab women, combatting stereotypes. She has previously received the Mohammad Bin Rashid Pride of the Emirates medal for excellence in her field.
The UAE's ambassador to the U.N., Lana Nusseibeh, attended the ceremony and congratulated Mansouri.
In her speech, she stressed the UAE's efforts to empower women in leadership roles while pointing out that Al Mansouri is the first female squadron leader in the UAE air force.
Earlier this year, the UAE celebrated its first national Women's Day and honored women serving in the military.
According to the the UAE’s Washington DC Embassy page, the country has four pioneering fighter pilots in its air force and has trained more than 30 other women to work in the nation’s security forces. Women have also reached senior ranks in the military, particularly in the air force.