Sahar Rasti, the first Emirati ship captain working in the field with the Abu Dhabi Marine Services Company (Sofin), part of Abu Dhabi Ports, stated that working at the helm of ships for long days and challenging the waves of the sea requires much determination, persistence, and passion. The marine captain emphasized, during her attendance at an event by the Suez Canal Authority in the Egypt pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, that maritime navigation is a vast and varied sector that has proven its worth, especially in facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of continuous learning and training.
Regarding her journey as an Emirati captain in the world of seas, Rasti recounted that her career began in 2015 when she started working at Abu Dhabi Ports as an administrative assistant, then transitioned to the role of marine services coordinator, becoming the first Emirati woman to work in this field. She noted that her passion for discovering the secrets of maritime navigation increased every day, from understanding weather conditions to ship steering, maritime laws, and other details related to this profession.
When asked about her reasons for joining the maritime navigation field, she stated that it was primarily due to her passion. Despite her family's reservations, her father's belief in her professional abilities encouraged her to persevere and succeed. Rasti pointed out that, thanks to the wise leadership of the UAE and the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and President of the Family Development Foundation "Mother of the Emirates," Emirati women have been able to overcome challenges and demonstrate their significant capabilities in various fields.
She continued by saying, "Today, we live in a country of 'no impossible,' and despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges, our nation is currently hosting the largest global event at Expo 2020 Dubai."
Regarding the major challenges she faced in the maritime profession, she mentioned the long hours of work at sea, under high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, the treachery of the waves, and other difficulties. However, she believes that with strong willpower, determination, perseverance, and the necessary skills, one can overcome and surpass these challenges.
About her inspiring experience, she said, "Thank God, my experience has inspired many girls, as more than 35 new students have joined the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport, and there is continuous and ongoing communication with them. I aim to create an Emirati workforce that understands the importance of this industry."
Sahar succeeded in passing the qualification program for captains of vessels under 24 meters and, within six months, logged over 1,300 sailing hours. She is also the first Emirati woman to complete the international law course for maritime aid and maneuvers at levels one and two in the Middle East.
