In this episode of In The ARENA, Bakhita Almheiri joins me to discuss her journey becoming one of the first Emirati female pilots. Since becoming a pilot at 20 years old, Bakhita has had an interesting journey of overcoming challenges and has expanded her expertise to entrepreneurship and public speaking. 

Key podcast topics: 

The importance of reflection

Misconceptions of the Middle East

Self-development 

Bakhita’s biography:

Bakhita lost her father at the age of 10 years old and due to her mother working two jobs, she took on a role as a parent in her home. When it came time for her to get a higher education, she had multiple options available to her and after realizing there was a lack of females in the aviation industry, she decided to be the change. 

Bakhita became a pilot at the age of 20 years old and has been flying for the past 10 years. While she continues to fuel her love for aviation, she is also a successful entrepreneur and public speaking.  

Podcast highlights: 

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Everybody has a story

03:46 The importance of reflection and spending time alone

11:22 Finding a partner as a strong woman

15:35 Becoming the first Emirati Female Pilot

25:45 “You are the only person that will you’ll spend the rest of your life with”

30:22 Being a pilot

49:27 Everything has a consequence but you have a choice

54:20 Bakhita’s businesses

1:02:15 Harvester Coffee Company

1:06:57 Animals and flying

1:10:35 The secret behind Emirates Success

1:14:13 Misconceptions of the Middle East

1:17:44 Events

1:21:37 The future of Bakhita and dealing with anxious passengers

1:25:52 “Everything happens for a reason”

1:30:54 Best moments flying

1:33:43 Feminism and hope for the future

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