At the age of 22, Meera Al Mheiri has achieved a historic milestone as the first Emirati woman to serve as a nuclear safety inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). Meera's journey into engineering was sparked by her profound interest in scientific subjects. "I was certain I wanted to delve into a field deeply connected to science," she reminisced. Her academic path led her to Khalifa University, where she pursued degrees in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Despite initial uncertainties about nuclear engineering, her love for science and a patriotic desire to contribute to her nation steered her decision. She was among the pioneering members of the UAE's burgeoning nuclear program.
Upon her graduation as a top student, Meera's aspirations led her to FANR. During her interview, she expressed her eagerness for a role that required dynamic, on-site engagement, which would allow her to directly interact with the evolving nuclear sector. Her passion and drive secured her the position of a nuclear safety inspector, marking her as the first Emirati woman in this pivotal role. The position brought with it a unique blend of emotions for Meera. "I felt more a sense of immense responsibility than intimidation," she explained. "There was a significant burden on my shoulders, and I knew I had to rapidly enhance my skills to match the high level of expertise present."
Meera described her journey as a mix of exhilaration and pressure, given her trailblazing role. "At FANR, we are fortunate to have world-class experts, and learning from them has been incredibly beneficial," she noted. "My strategy was to absorb as much knowledge as possible from these mentors and quickly adapt to effectively carry out my duties." Meera's steadfastness and dedication to professional development enabled her to overcome these obstacles, transforming her role into a beacon of leadership and commitment.
Starting her professional life at 22, Meera faced numerous hurdles. Her early experiences were particularly challenging. "My initial site visit was extremely daunting," she confessed. "I even fainted, which was quite a dramatic beginning!" She recounted the difficulties of adjusting to the strenuous physical requirements of construction site work, especially under harsh conditions. However, her resolve and resilience soon shone through. "I understood the need to adjust my lifestyle," she stated. "I began to focus on maintaining a healthy diet and a strict exercise regimen to meet the physical demands of my job."
Balancing her demanding career with personal life, Meera exemplifies passion and dedication. "I find joy and fulfillment in volunteering and continuous learning," she shared. "These activities are not burdens but enriching experiences for me." Her family plays a vital role in supporting this balance, enabling her to excel both professionally and personally. In discussions about public engagement in the nuclear field, Meera emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication. FANR actively promotes awareness and addresses public concerns. "There is always scope for improvement, but the current initiatives already encourage substantial public participation," she observed.
Meera's influence extends beyond her FANR role. Her leadership and dedication were acknowledged when she was appointed as one of the youngest board members of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and later, as a fellow in the National Experts Program. Her involvement with the Emirates Youth Council and the Supreme Council not only involved strategic oversight but also direct engagement with youth and policy-making, significantly enhancing her impact on national development.
