In an experience that combines breaking fear and making an impact, the story of Safa Al Mahri stands out as the first Emirati woman to obtain seven licenses for driving various types of vehicles in the country. Her journey began with a pressing family need that, over time, transformed into a profession and then a community mission. What she has achieved is not just numbers, but a reflection of a life path that changed when she decided to. In parallel with her professional career, Safa actively engaged in humanitarian and volunteer work, a path that began with distinction and success, alongside her son's journey. She effectively participates in numerous community initiatives, ventures into the world of entrepreneurship, and has received several official recognitions for her journey, confirming that breaking fear is the real beginning of creating a positive impact in society.
At the beginning of her interview with "Al Ittihad," Safa Al Mahri said that the idea of getting a driver's license started in 2015 when her husband was studying abroad, which imposed on her the responsibility of taking care of her son, who belongs to the category of people of determination. She explained: "His responsibilities required almost daily appointments and frequent visits, which prompted me, after insistence from my husband, to obtain a license for a light vehicle. Despite my suffering from the fear of driving at that time, I decided, out of necessity, to break the barrier of fear and embark on this adventure, so I was surprised that driving is a unique world full of fun and benefit. I did not enter the world of driving out of a hobby, but out of necessity, as the responsibility for my little son made me face myself and change the course of my life for the better."
After years of daily driving, Safa found herself searching for a job that suited the new phase of her life, so she heard at that time about a job opportunity to train girls to drive. She added: "I did not hesitate for a moment at that time to apply for this job, clinging to my success in overcoming my fear and my intention to help other women overcome this obstacle and break the barrier of fear and hesitation. From the moment I started in this field, driving training became a daily passion for me, especially with my transition from automatic to manual, and I felt that it has more passion and greater control over the vehicle I drive."
Proving Capabilities Safa's passion did not stop at light vehicles. During her work, she was introduced to various types and sizes of vehicles and faced a sharp look from some people who confine the field of training and heavy driving to the framework of males. She continued: "Over time, I had a kind of challenge to prove my ability to excel in performing these tasks with the same valor as men. From here, the journey of obtaining seven driving licenses began, making me the first Emirati woman to pass all tests, culminating in obtaining licenses for a light vehicle, a motorcycle, a light bus, a heavy bus, a heavy truck, in addition to two types of equipment, in a period not exceeding two and a half years."
Regarding the most difficult type of driving she experienced, Safa thought that driving a heavy bus was the most difficult, but she discovered that the motorcycle was the real challenge. "Driving a motorcycle requires concentration, balance, and a high mood. No one can master it except those who love it. The difference between vehicles lies not only in their parts, but in estimating the distance, mirrors, depth, and space. These details require long training and self-confidence," she explained.
But after her promotion and transition to the rank of "Training Officer," Safa began to monitor and guide trainers and students, focusing on road etiquette and removing the fear of driving. When students know that she has seven licenses, their perspective on the challenge changes instantly, and they feel that the impossible can become possible, as she put it.
Volunteering In addition to her professional path, Safa's experience extends to humanitarian and volunteer work, a path that she began with success and distinction, in parallel with her son's journey. She added: "I used to accompany him to the Zayed Foundation for People of Determinants since he was two years old. After four years, a love to help others was born in me after I had the opportunity to participate with the (Sand) team and contribute to several humanitarian initiatives, leading to my participation in many purposeful community initiatives."
Safa received several awards, the latest of which was as a volunteer from the National Authority for Crisis and Disaster Management in Abu Dhabi, in addition to being honored for her participation in the (Valiant Knight) campaign, and with the police women. During repeated invitations to talk about her experience in front of youth and family gatherings, she addressed a message to the Emirati woman, saying: "Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve, be strong and diligent, and most importantly, do not let fear decide for you. Ambition is the fuel for success, and opportunities are available in our country that always cares for its sons and daughters."
Ambitions That Do Not Stop Over time, based on her life experience and her constant passion for volunteering and field work, and her continuous participation in various events, Safa Al Mahri's ambitions expanded, and she decided to enter the world of entrepreneurship to establish the "Razmeh" project, which offers comprehensive services for organizing events and celebrations, and provides hospitality and food services in various events. She stressed that her constant aspiration for entrepreneurship came as an extension of her ambitious nature and her desire to create added value for society. • 2015 is the year in which "Safa" began her journey. Safa Al Mahri: • My message to the Emirati woman: Ambition is the fuel for success, and opportunities are available in our country that always cares for its sons and daughters. • Driving training has become a daily passion for me, especially with my transition from "automatic" to "manual."
