Sharifa Yousef is first Emirati woman on ADNOC fleet

Sharifa Yousef is a distinguished national role model for graduates of Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA), as she succeeded in translating her educational journey into a qualitative professional achievement by being appointed as the first Emirati female maritime officer on the ADNOC fleet in a step that reflected the readiness of national talents to take on advanced roles in strategic sectors.

After graduating from high school, Sharifa joined SMA in 2019 as part of the first female cohort in maritime education programmes, driven by her ambition to enter a field that required high levels of discipline, responsibility and practical skills.

SMA provided her with an integrated educational environment that combined academic qualification and practical training, according to approved international standards.

Sharifa Yousef poses for a photograph.

During her academic and training career, Sharifa gained scientific experience that included working within multidisciplinary operational teams, adhering to maritime safety procedures and adapting to the nature of work at sea including long periods of sailing.

This experience contributed to building her professional character and reinforcing the values of discipline and responsibility. Upon completing the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Navigation programme, she obtained a certificate of competency, qualifying her to work according to international regulatory frameworks and standards in the maritime sector.

At a pivotal point in her career, she began working as a naval officer within the ADNOC fleet, an achievement that reflected the growing confidence in Emirati talent and confirmed the efficiency of specialised higher education outputs in meeting the needs of the labour market.

Sharifa Yousef honoured at an event.

This achievement embodied the fruit of integration between academic education and practical training and confirmed the success of the applied education model in preparing national cadres capable of moving directly into specialised work environments and contributing to supporting vital sectors.

Sharifa Yousef’s story reflects the role played by SMA in empowering national talents and enhancing the presence of Emirati women in technical fields in line with the country’s orientations towards building a knowledge-based economy and developing human capital.