How Saudi women are becoming equal partners in progress

Saudi Rodina Maamoun, who employed 19 young women almost entirely replacing the men, sells jewellery at a retail store in Riyadh's Hayat mall on February 19, 2020. (AFP/File Photo)
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Updated 01 November 2020
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How Saudi women are becoming equal partners in progress

  • Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has put gender-inclusive practices at the heart of Kingdom’s industrial development
  • Noor Shabib, SIDF vice president, says achieving gender parity and preparing women for leadership positions are two major priorities 

RIYADH: Women’s participation in the workforce and the wider Saudi economy and having more women in leadership positions is one of the key goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform strategy. That is why the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has made achieving gender parity and the promotion of women to senior positions a top priority, according to its vice president of strategic planning and business development, Noor Shabib.

SIDF has already reached some important milestones, boosting the proportion of women on its staff from zero to 17 percent in less than three years, making it one of the most successful in this regard among Saudi government entities.

“Not only that — we have women employed in every single department, distributing women leaders and young talent to all departments and in various ranks and positions, ranging from vice president for strategic planning and business development, director of enterprise risk management and a director of the SIDF academy,” Shabib told Arab News. “So, we have women at the highest levels, which is something we’re very proud of.”

Shabib hopes the SIDF’s partnership with the Alnahda Philanthropic Society for Women at this year’s edition of the Women 20 (W20), virtually hosted by Riyadh, has encouraged more Saudi institutions to follow suit.




Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF)'s vice president of strategic planning and business development, Noor Shabib. (Supplied)

“The SIDF is an advocate sponsor of W20 and the Alnahda society, joining forces to support the advocacy of women’s issues in Saudi Arabia to empower women, diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Shabib.

Established in 1974, the SIDF was created to provide mid- and long-term loans to the private industrial sector. Today it commands capital worth SR105 billion ($28 billion). It is therefore in a strong position to promote change across a whole swathe of the economy.

One of the SIDF’s flagship programs is its Nokhab training scheme, which has been running for over 40 years, providing entry-level employees with advanced qualifications in business, human resources and engineering.

“Two years ago, the SIDF set a 50:50 gender target on the program,” Shabib said. “Our Nokhab program a few years ago was obviously 100 percent men because that’s all you had. We mandated that 50 percent of all fresh graduates coming into this would be women.”

When institutions open up to accepting more women on their staff, they become far more meritocratic, benefiting from a wider pool of talent and experience, Shabib said.

INNUMBERS

Women and COVID-19

* 22% - Women in G20 countries who lack access to formal bank accounts.

* 64% - Women-led firms’ share of business ops in G20 countries strongly affected by COVID-19.

* 30% - Job losses for women anticipated in COVID-19-affected sectors in G20 countries.

“It means that I can choose the best among men and women,” she said. “The women we have are not the best because they’re women — they’re the best because they worked hard and they earned their spot here. They are competing just like everybody else. We hire the best.”

The result has been a much more positive work culture. “Having women in the leadership team at the SIDF has positively impacted the aspirations of junior women working with us and set for them a good picture of what their career progression could look like,” Shabib said.

Shabib is perhaps a model example of women’s professional empowerment. After completing a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Shabib became Saudi Arabia’s first female field engineer with Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements in 2003.

In 2008 she earned an MBA at the University of Oxford and went on to work in Al-Khobar as deputy services manager at Rawabi Trading and Contracting Co. Then, between 2011 and 2017, she joined Saudi Aramco, working in multiple roles. During this time, she completed her second master’s degree in oil and gas leadership and in 2015 became an Eisenhower Fellow.

Shabib co-founded the Group (Qudwa) in 2012 to raise awareness about gender differences in the workplace. Its 5,000 members — 77 percent of them men — conducted over 60 events and workshops and established mentorship programs for young women, which were later handed over to Aramco’s diversity and inclusion division.

From here she took on a job at the Center for Strategic Development, a semi-governmental think tank providing decision-makers with evidence-based research on socio-economic development under the Ministry of Economy and Planning.




The panel also sought to highlight some of the best practices at a local and global level for bringing more women into manufacturing. (AFP/File Photo)

These experiences have clearly served her well since joining the SIDF in 2018. A key part of the fund’s mandate is enabling the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), which is helping the Kingdom grow into a leading industrial power and international logistics hub through a range of lending and advisory products. Central to this is encouraging more women to launch and manage private sector ventures.

“For the past 46 years, the SIDF has witnessed some of the most successful businessmen that are now leading the industrial sector. Now, as we hire more talented women, we aim to support them and enrich the industrial sector with successful businesswomen,” Shabib said.

“All offerings apply a gender-neutral policy without discrimination on grounds of gender with regards to access to services and opportunities. The SIDF continues to innovate new, more tailored products and services that ensure the same opportunities are offered to both men and women investors to increase the private sector’s participation in the Kingdom.”

These initiatives and more were on show at the W20 summit earlier in October, where Shabib took part in a panel discussion called “Replicating success in inclusive manufacturing,” alongside Selina Jackson, senior vice president of global government relations and public policy at Procter & Gamble, and Mohammed Al-Mutlaq, head of strategy at Alfanar Group.

“The purpose of the session was to highlight the benefits of diversity. These benefits will reflect on the industrial landscape and shed light on reasons why there are fewer female entrepreneurs and industrialists,” said Shabib.




A picture taken on July 29, 2020 shows pilgrims circumambulating around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, at the start of the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage. (AFP/File Photo)

The panel also sought to highlight some of the best practices at a local and global level for bringing more women into manufacturing — acknowledging where these efforts have been successful and identifying areas in need of improvement.

One success story is an Alfanar factory in Saudi Arabia, which has been operated by a staff of 650 women since 2004. “It is amazing. I visited the factory. It was so humbling and so inspiring because they love the place, they are so happy and empowered and they are growing in their careers. Some of them have been there for 17 years, so they love it,” Shabib said.

Procter & Gamble can also be considered a success story, having achieved 50:50 gender representation on its board of directors.

“One of the most important things that was mentioned is how important gender bias training was in shifting the culture to make the environment more welcoming and retaining of women,” Shabib said. “Selina was saying how eye-opening it was for men when they did the training.”

With these inspiring examples in mind, the SIDF is launching a new program in November, in association with the Council of Saudi Chambers devoted to empowering female entrepreneurs, titled “How to start your industrial project.”

“By hiring more women in the SIDF and investing in their development, whether it’s through our credit program or the programs that we have in partnership with Stanford, LBS, or Fitch Learning, we will be contributing to creating a good base for female industrialists who will contribute to the advancement of the country in the years to come,” Shabib said.

“It will also add to the level of awareness of what it takes to become an ambitious female industrial entrepreneur, which is our vision.”

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Twitter: @LujainBenGassem


Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

Saudi authorities inspect Hajj permits at Makkah entry points for pilgrim safety. (X: @insharifain)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

  • 21 arrested for transporting, 84 pilgrims caught without permits

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.

The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested eight residents and 12 citizens for transporting 75 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. 

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after sentencing. 

The ministry has also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, a Saudi citizen was arrested for transporting nine visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported. 

All individuals involved have been referred to relevant authorities to enforce the prescribed penalties.

The ministry has urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 was prohibited. 

The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, security patrols in Makkah have arrested four Indonesian expatriates for fraudulently promoting fake and misleading Hajj campaigns on social media, and falsely offering accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

They were also found promoting forged Nusuk Hajj cards and violating Hajj regulations by harboring 14 individuals without permits in a building.

The suspects were detained, legal action was taken, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution. Those harbored were referred to the competent authorities for the prescribed penalties.

Hajj Security Forces last week arrested 43 residents and 39 citizens in separate incidents for transporting 259 individuals without Hajj permits.

According to a recent report by the General Directorate of Passports, a total of 890,883 pilgrims from abroad have arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj from air, land, and sea.

The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining entry procedures by equipping all ports with advanced technology and multilingual staff.


Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

Updated 56 min 49 sec ago
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Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 13,118 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 8,150 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,344 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,624 for labor-related issues.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

Updated 24 May 2025
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How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

  • Conservation efforts and nature reserves are helping the Kingdom’s native desert flora make a strong comeback
  • Desert wildflowers like Zahrah and Zamlouq symbolize resilience, blooming in some of the world’s harshest environments

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys.

Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.

In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region’s most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival.

Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color.

Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance.

Zamlouq, also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, not only provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife but also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. (SPA)

It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas.

“This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,” Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah’s Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News.

“It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.”

Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions.

Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia’s green cover.

Ramth (Haloxylon salicornicum), a perennial desert shrub, thrives across the Arabian Peninsula under harsh desert conditions. (SPA photo)

Highly valued by herders as a key “Hamad” (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions.

When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile.

Ramth is “commonly used as camel forage and firewood,” said Aljeddani.

“It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula.

• After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery.

• Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient.

• Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties.

Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage.

This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules.

Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — is a creeping annual plant from the (Zygophyllaceae) family, distinguished by clover-like compound leaves and bright yellow flowers. (SPA photo)
Tribulus omanense stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage. (SPA photo)

Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems.

Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home.

The Arnebia decumbens plant, a seasonal wildflower that flourishes in the Kingdom's Northern Borders region during spring, serves as a vital food source for wildlife and livestock and contributes to ecological balance and soil stabilization in sandy areas. (SPA)

Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s natural heritage.

These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems.

“These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,” said Aljeddani. “They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.”
 

 


Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

Updated 23 May 2025
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Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

  • Passport to the World runs until May 24
  • The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures

JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.

The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.

Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.

The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.

The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
 


Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

Updated 23 May 2025
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Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

  • Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers

KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.

Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.