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RIYADH: Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve marked International Women’s Day by announcing the expansion of its pioneering all-women ranger unit, one of the largest in the Middle East.

“Women are breaking new ground at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, one patrol at a time,” Andrew Zaloumis, CEO at the reserve, said. “Their presence strengthens our conservation efforts, brings new ideas to the table, and helps connect our communities to conservation in ways we have never seen before.”

With 40 new recruits, women now comprise 34 percent of the reserve’s ranger team — surpassing the global average of 11 percent and setting a new regional benchmark. These 84 nature rangers play a critical role in protecting the reserve’s landscapes, culture and wildlife.

The reserve’s all-women ranger unit calls itself Al Anqas (the phoenix), symbolizing a new beginning for Saudi women in conservation. Through their daily patrols and interactions, the rangers challenge perceptions and engage local communities in meaningful discussions around nature protection and conservation practices.

Rogayah Awad Al-Balawi, a ranger from Al-Sudayd in Al-Wajh Governorate, embodies the spirit of the initiative. Her journey, from a traditional Bedouin upbringing to becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering female wildlife rangers, highlights resilience and determination.

She said: “The job was described as a ranger, which was a new concept for me. No Saudi woman had worked in this field before, so I didn’t know exactly what to expect.”

Now, alongside her colleagues, she regularly patrols the reserve’s vast landscapes, using her local knowledge to help safeguard its wildlife and habitats. “Having local women in these roles is crucial. We understand the land, its people, and its unique needs,” she said.

Asma Khdeer, senior manager of capacity building and natural resource use management, has played a key role in ranger training, and asked: “Who is there better to support local people to make meaningful change in their community than someone who understands the challenges?”

She told of her pride in watching new recruits navigate rugged terrain, track wildlife and participate in their first patrols, and added: “It felt like the stereotypes we’ve faced as women were finally being dismantled — not with speeches but actions. That’s what makes our work transformative. Women bring a unique perspective to conservation, thinking about families and future generations.”

Each year thousands of applicants compete for limited positions on the reserve’s ranger training program. Selected candidates undergo an intensive four-day selection process, testing their physical fitness, teamwork and character. Successful recruits then take on a rigorous nine-week training course led by Ali Al-Balawi, the reserve’s capacity-building supervisor.

The comprehensive training covers essential topics such as conservation management, technical field skills, wildlife monitoring, tracking, off-road driving, cultural heritage conservation, self-defense, incident reporting, first aid, and disaster management.

The reserve continues to reinforce its vision of creating a vibrant society and thriving economy by empowering local women and providing them with employment and training opportunities.

RIYADH: For many, Ramadan is a time of togetherness, family gatherings, and shared spiritual experiences. However, for those observing the holy month alone, the experience presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth. From managing iftar and suhoor without family to seeking spiritual fulfillment in solitude, young Muslims share their experiences of solo Ramadan.

Laila Al-Ghamdi describes the greatest challenge as the absence of shared moments that define the holy month. “I believe it’s the lack of affinity triggered by feelings of solitude. Since the shared moments of fasting, breaking fast with loved ones, and prayers create a deep emotional connection that is hard to replicate on one’s own.”

Roaa Magdy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional weight of the month when away from family. “The biggest challenge is missing my family, especially since Arab cultures place a strong emphasis on family bonds,” Maddy says. “Seeing advertisements about family gatherings on TV makes it even harder. As a Muslim living alone, Ramadan is undoubtedly the most emotionally challenging time of the year.”

For Layan Al-Shamari, the hardest part was adjusting to a routine without the communal structure that usually comes with Ramadan. “The biggest challenge I faced was sticking to a routine for sleep, food, and work, along with the feeling of loneliness because there’s no one to share meals with or cook together.”

Despite the challenges, some find a deeper sense of spirituality when observing Ramadan alone. Magdy sees solitude as an opportunity for introspection. “I find that practicing spirituality during Ramadan or the sacred months is easier and more meaningful when I am alone. I have more time and space to reflect, pray, and strengthen my connection with Allah, which makes the experience feel more personal and peaceful.”

Al-Ghamdi, on the other hand, prefers to embrace the social aspects of the month by going out. “This might sound weird, but I go out. Yes, religious duties are usually practiced alone, but a big part of Ramadan’s joy is in the cultural traditions. You can feel it the moment you step outside in cities like Jeddah — the streets come alive with shared meals, vibrant shiny decorations, and a sense of togetherness that you just can’t experience alone,” she said.

For Al-Shamari, however, the struggle remains. “I often don’t feel the spirituality of the month as I used to; it feels like any other month, but with the added burden of dealing with work and sleep schedules.”

Breaking the fast alone can be one of the most isolating aspects of solo Ramadan. Magdy finds it difficult to watch others enjoying meals together while she eats alone. “The hardest part for me is having iftar alone. Sometimes, I go for a walk to buy food during iftar time, and seeing families gathered eating together intensifies the feeling of loneliness. When that happens, I usually return home and call my family via video call, which helps me feel less lonely.”

Al-Ghamdi takes a more practical approach, relying on food delivery services. “I do cook in times where I’m not equipped with a busy schedule. However, we must stay thankful for HungerStation,” she said.

Al-Shamari keeps her meals simple and functional. “Usually, I break my fast with water at the time of the call to prayer, and the main meal is either dinner or suhoor,” she said.

Social media and virtual connections play a significant role in helping those observing Ramadan alone feel a sense of community. “Well, social media will always be your dearest friend when living alone,” Al-Ghamdi notes. “Especially when your timeline offers glimpses of others’ daily moments of intimacy and joy, which are abundant during Ramadan.”

Magdy agrees, emphasizing how virtual connections help bridge the gap. “Being able to connect with my family, hear their voices, and see them through video calls makes me feel included in the family atmosphere, even from a distance.”

For Al-Shamari, social media brings some comfort but also mixed emotions. “Social media has had a big impact; it helps me feel the Ramadan spirit because I can see how people are spending the month, their routines, and how they are with their families and loved ones.”

Observing Ramadan alone changes how one views the month. Some find newfound appreciation for solitude, while others struggle with feelings of isolation. “I grew a taste for the unsavory flavor of solitude,” Al-Ghamdi reflected. “In a strange way, I actually started to enjoy it.”

“There’s a huge room for reflection that comes along, which forced me to appreciate the sacredness of the month in a more personal way. Something I would never have experienced if I didn’t move out,” she added.

Magdy’s perspective has also shifted. “Growing up, I always associated Ramadan with socializing and family gatherings. However, spending it alone shifted my focus toward the spiritual essence of the month. Praying at the mosque, reading the Qur’an, and self-reflection. It’s a different experience, but it made me appreciate the true meaning of the month.”

For Al-Shamari, however, the solitude has been challenging. “I’ve become more anxious about Ramadan rather than excited. I often feel more sad in Ramadan because I see people spending it with their families and loved ones, while I’m alone.”

Solo Ramadan is a journey of adaptation, introspection, and personal growth. While loneliness can be a struggle, some embrace the solitude as an opportunity to strengthen their connection with Allah and explore Ramadan in a deeply personal way. Whether through video calls, social media, or stepping outside to feel the Ramadan spirit, those observing the holy month alone find ways to navigate the challenges and uncover new meanings in their spiritual journey.