27 January 2015
Ayesha Al Marzooqi officially the UAE's first ever female Emirati crane operator; Marzooqi to operate 126 metre crane moving containers from large container vessels to shore at Khalifa Port

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE: In September 2014 Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT), manager and operator of Khalifa Port container terminal and longtime exhibitor at the upcoming Tawdheef Career Fair, organised an open day for UAE Nationals in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports looking to recruit UAE Nationals for operational roles at the Khalifa Port container terminal.

UAE national Ayesha Al Marzooqi, having a strong interest in the growing UAE ports industry, 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. 

According to Al Marzooqi, when operating a crane the most important thing is to exercise full concentration and always be ready to make immediate decisions without hesitation. The STS crane that is operated by her is 126.5 meters high and has an outreach of 65 meters, the equivalent of 22 containers with a lifting capacity of 90 tons.

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.

Once the theoretical part has been completed, they then shadow a fully qualified crane operator for hands on training, which upon completion means that they are ready to start operating the crane solo.

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

The thing I enjoy most about my job is achieving new productivity targets. It really motivates me when I break a new record for my crane moves per hour (GMPH) which are a key indicator for performance in a marine terminal." added Al Marzooqi.

Ayesha Al Marzooqi will be attending the upcoming Tawdheef Career Fair to talk with other Emiratis who are interested in entering such a profession. 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.

"We are immensely proud that Ayesha Al Marzooqi is the first female Emirati crane operator. Emiratisation of our workforce is one ADT's top strategic priorities and Tawdheef provides us with an excellent platform to recruit UAE Nationals in all levels of the organization, ranging from senior and middle management to supervisory and practical roles. During the event we will focus on training opportunities for operational and technical roles and promote our successful on-job training program for Emirati's which we started 2 years ago." said Eisa Hassan Al Marzouqi, Senior Director Human Resources, Abu Dhabi Terminals.

Now in its ninth year, Tawdheef boasts an exhibitor profile lineup covering a vast range of government and private organisations from sectors including finance, recruitment, oil and gas, retail, telecommunications, IT, media, transport and logistics, industrial and manufacturing, investment, defense and security, and health and insurance.

The three-day event is held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and  supported by Titanium sponsor GHQ Armed Forces, Platinum Sponsors National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, SENAAT - General Holding Corporation, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Gold Sponsors Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Media Company and Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) all of which will have current job openings and long-term career opportunities to offer Emiratis.       

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© Press Release 2015