ADT Welcomes First Ever Female Emirati Crane Operator

28 January 2015

In September 2014 Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) organised an open day for UAE Nationals looking to recruit UAE Nationals for operational roles at the Khalifa Port container terminal.

UAE national Ayesha Al Marzooqi decided that she wanted to apply for a role as a large STS (ship-to-shore) crane operator, a truly unique role for a female to undertake.

"From the moment I heard about this role, I was determined that I wanted to go for this job. I am extremely proud to be the first female Emirati crane operator and I really hope that it will inspire more Emirati women to take up roles that are unique for ladies." said Al Marzooqi.

Becoming a crane operator for one the fastest growing ports in the world is no easy task. ADT's training program for operational staff consists of theoretical classroom training in which trainee operators learn all aspects of operating a crane; including crane safety and crane components.

“One of ADT’s top strategic priorities has always been to train and develop Emiratis to join the fast growing ports industry. As a result of this, in 2014 we almost doubled the number of Emirati nationals within a year; ranging from senior and middle management to supervisory and practical roles.”, says Eisa Hassan Al Marzouqi, Senior HR Director, ADT.

“Our comprehensive on-the-job training for Emiratis started two years ago and we are immense proud that Ayesha Al Marzooqi joined ADT to become the first female Emirati crane operator”, adds Mr. Al Marzouqi.

Besides a minimum amount of training hours required, there are several exams that need to be completed before receiving the official certification.

As a port operator, ADT is at the forefront of handling huge flows of containers that bring the vast majority of day-to-day goods to the UAE, thus playing an important role in facilitating economic growth by connecting Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE with the world markets.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company, press release