In a landmark move for the UAE’s maritime industry, Emirati ship captain Sahar Rasti has launched Rahaal, the country’s first specialized digital platform for maritime employment. Designed to connect job seekers with companies and academic institutions, Rahaal aims to empower local talent and streamline recruitment in this vital economic sector.
Quick Summary
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Founder
Sahar Rasti, the first Emirati female ship captain
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Platform Name
Rahaal (Arabic for “traveler” or “nomad”)
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Purpose
Links job seekers with maritime sector opportunities. “We launched Rahaal based on real experience… Companies struggle to find employees, and job seekers don’t know where to start.” – Captain Sahar Rasti
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Sector Impact: Supports UAE’s maritime economy, covering shipping, logistics, engineering, and more
Why Rahaal Matters for the UAE’s Maritime Future
Bridging the Gap in Maritime Employment
Captain Rasti highlighted the challenges faced by job seekers and companies in the maritime sector. Many rely on personal connections or scattered job postings, making recruitment inefficient. Rahaal centralizes opportunities, allowing:
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Job seekers to explore roles in navigation, engineering, logistics, and port management
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Companies to find qualified Emirati and international talent
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Academic institutions to align training with industry needs
Government Backing & Economic Impact
Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, emphasized the platform’s role in localizing jobs and strengthening the UAE’s maritime economy.
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Fujairah ranks 3rd globally in ship servicing, underscoring the sector’s importance
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The maritime industry extends beyond shipping to logistics, shipbuilding, and medical services
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“Seafarers struggle to find jobs… Rahaal will connect opportunities with talent.” – Al Malek
Empowering Emirati Women in Maritime Careers
Female students from Sharjah Maritime Transport Academy shared their experiences
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Mahra Mohammed Salem (Port Logistics)
“We want to prove Emirati women can excel in male-dominated fields.”
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Mozah Rashid Al Ketbi (Maritime Navigation)
“My dream is to become a ship captain.”
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Rawan Mohammed Fawzi (Sudanese student)
“Rahaal will save time by listing all maritime jobs in one place.”
Challenges & Triumphs for Future Mariners
While maritime careers offer exciting prospects, students face hurdles:
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Long sea training periods (up to 1 year for navigation)
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Distance from family & adapting to ship life
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Strong support from UAE leadership, including Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
FAQs
1. What is Rahaal?
A digital platform linking maritime job seekers with employers and training institutions.
2. Who can use it?
Students, professionals, and companies in shipping, logistics, engineering, and related fields.
3. Why is this important for the UAE?
The maritime sector is a key economic driver, and Rahaal helps localize jobs while boosting efficiency.
4. How does it help women in maritime?
It provides clear career pathways, encouraging more Emirati women to join the industry.
What’s Next for Rahaal & the Maritime Sector
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Expanding partnerships with global maritime firms
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Increasing Emirati participation in shipping and logistics
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Enhancing training programs to meet industry demands
Wrapping Up
Rahaal, the UAE’s first maritime job platform, is set to revolutionize the sector by connecting talent with opportunities. Led by trailblazer Captain Sahar Rasti, this initiative empowers Emiratis – especially women – to pursue maritime careers while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global shipping hub. As the platform grows, it promises to transform recruitment and drive innovation in this vital industry.
