To mark International Women’s Day, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced the expansion of its all-women ranger unit. This development is one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the Middle East. With the addition of 40 new recruits, women now make up 34% of the reserve’s ranger team, surpassing the global average of 11%. This move sets a new regional benchmark and highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing female representation in conservation efforts.
The reserve’s women rangers, who call themselves “Al Anqas” (the phoenix), are taking on key roles in protecting the reserve’s landscapes, culture, and wildlife. Their daily patrols and interactions with local communities help challenge stereotypes and promote conservation awareness. By bringing new perspectives to the table, these rangers are making significant contributions to environmental protection in the region.
Rogayah Awad Al-Balawi, one of the women rangers, shares her inspiring journey from a traditional Bedouin upbringing to becoming a wildlife ranger. “The job was described as a ranger, which was a new concept for me,” she explained. “No Saudi woman had worked in this field before.” Now, Al-Balawi patrols the reserve’s vast landscapes, using her deep local knowledge to help safeguard its wildlife and natural resources.
Asma Khdeer, who plays a key role in training new recruits, expressed her pride in seeing the new rangers successfully navigate challenging terrain and participate in their first patrols. “It felt like the stereotypes we’ve faced as women were finally being dismantled,” she said. “Women bring a unique perspective to conservation, thinking about families and future generations.”
The selection process for ranger training is competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for limited positions. Successful recruits undergo intensive training, which includes topics such as wildlife monitoring, off-road driving, self-defense, and disaster management. The program aims to empower local women and provide them with essential skills for their roles in conservation.
This expansion reflects the reserve’s broader vision to foster a vibrant society and thriving economy by providing women with employment opportunities and contributing to environmental protection.
