International Women's Day: Safa Rebai on finding empowerment in a changing Saudi Arabia

If you told a young Safa that one day she’d be part of Saudi Arabia’s workforce, she probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Back then, women in Saudi Arabia faced certain restrictions in terms of employment, travelling, and even driving. But today? Things are different. And we’re privileged to feature one of our colleagues, Safa, who’s right in the middle of that change.

Safa Rebai, Executive Secretary to the General Manager, SATS Saudi Arabia

Safa joined SATS Saudi Arabia (SA) in 2023, taking a different path from most women who are in healthcare and education. SATS SA, the only other air cargo terminal operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, handles e-commerce, trucking, and specialised logistics for more than 25 airlines across Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh.

Aviation has always been Safa’s thing. “Most of my toys growing up were aeroplanes,” she shares. So, when women were finally allowed to apply for jobs in 2017, she spent five years as a flight attendant. But she wanted to see more—how cargo moves, how logistics keep things running. That’s what led her to SATS.

Accelerating action in Saudi Arabia

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, is about pushing forward—breaking barriers, taking up space, and making progress that actually matters. For women in Saudi Arabia, that acceleration is happening fast.

“When I first moved here from Tunisia in 2016, it was rare to see women working outside of education or healthcare,” Safa recalls. “Now, Saudi women are in aviation, engineering, journalism, the military, and even in politics. We are also able to drive and make decisions about our lives. It has personally been transformative.”

According to the Ministry of Finance, women make up 35% of the Kingdom’s labour force as of 2024. This growing percentage came under Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s leadership when he pushed for women to pursue careers they were once excluded from.

To Safa, the Kingdom’s progress in gender inclusion is not only about women entering the workforce. “It’s about us having the right to express ourselves, pursue our passion, and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic development.”

Accelerating action in SATS SA

Right now, there are only seven women (including Safa) working across SATS SA. They are in finance, human capital, and operations.

It’s true that the cargo industry is still a male-dominated space, but Safa is optimistic that women will have a growing presence in the industry. In fact, the company plans to hire more female employees when its new cargo facility in Jeddah opens.

Safa appreciates the supportive work environment and her colleagues at SATS SA

“This industry needs women,” Safa says. “Not because we ‘deserve a chance,’ but because we bring value. We’re sharp, detail-orientated, and great at handling complex logistics. The more women join, the stronger this industry will be.”

She credits SATS for making that shift possible. “It’s not just talk. Women here get the same training, the same opportunities, and the same respect as men. And I believe that’s how real change happens.”

Read also: Meet the all-female ramp team at GTR SG

In her role as Executive Secretary to SATS SA’s General Manager, Safa directly contributes to the team’s successes. “I provide high-level administrative support, coordinate daily operations, and ensure smooth communication across various teams,” she explains.

Now, she not only pursues her passion for aviation but also knows the bigger picture—the people, the processes, and the massive global network that keeps 100,000 tonnes of cargo and mail moving.

Message to women at SATS and beyond

Safa knows what it’s like to be told where she does and doesn’t belong. She has seen doors closed simply because she is a woman. And she has also watched those same doors open, little by little, thanks to empowering bosses and leaders.

Her advice for all women? “There’s a place for you wherever you want to be. Believe it, and do not let barriers stop you.”

For Safa, it was belief that kept her going. Aviation was not the usual path for women around her, but she didn’t let that stop her. She stayed focused, put in the work, and found her way in.

She didn’t do it alone though. Her dad was her first supporter, fuelling her fascination with toy aeroplanes and stories of his travels. And today, Safa’s superiors at SATS SA push her to keep growing in a workforce that previously had no room for women.

This International Women’s Day, she has one message for women at SATS, in Saudi Arabia and beyond: “Do not let anyone tell you where you do or don’t belong.”

Cheers to all girls, women, and those who help us #AccelerateAction for full gender parity. Happy International Women’s Day!

 

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