The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a historic transformation in its security sector, with Saudi women demonstrating high competence and a remarkable presence across various departments within the Ministry of Interior. Their role is no longer limited to traditional administrative tasks, but has expanded to include fieldwork, military duties, and technical roles, reflecting the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives in empowering women and enhancing their participation in national development and security.
A qualitative leap in security and police work
The integration of Saudi women into the military and security forces is part of the structural and social reforms being spearheaded by the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior has opened recruitment and registration to women in various military ranks, enabling them to assume vital roles that were exclusively held by men for decades. This empowerment is not merely about employment, but an investment in national talent to enhance the quality of life and provide a safe environment for society.
Through its participation in international and local events such as the World Defence Exhibition, the Ministry of Interior showcases exemplary Saudi women in the security sector. Their capabilities in utilizing the latest security technologies, handling field scenarios, and managing crises with efficiency and competence are highlighted.
Pivotal roles in serving the pilgrims and securing the borders
One of the most prominent fields in which Saudi women have excelled is the Hajj and Umrah security sector. Female recruits play a pivotal humanitarian and security role in crowd management, providing assistance to women and children, and facilitating procedures in the holy sites. This presence has added a qualitative dimension to the services provided to pilgrims, respecting cultural and religious sensitivities and contributing to the smooth flow of movement and the safety of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Regarding border and port security, female personnel are present at airports and land and sea ports, where they carry out inspection tasks, verify documents, and detect smuggled goods, using the latest detection devices and security technologies, which enhances the Kingdom’s immunity against any security threats.
Excellence in Unified Operations Centers (911) and Environmental Security
The work isn't limited to the field; it extends to command and control rooms. Female personnel form a cornerstone of the unified security operations centers (911) in the Riyadh, Makkah, and Eastern regions. They are distinguished by their accuracy and speed in receiving reports, analyzing information, and directing field teams, in addition to their proficiency in multiple languages to communicate with people of various nationalities.
The ministry also expanded the scope of women’s work to include “environmental security”, where they participate in protecting natural resources, controlling environmental violations, and preserving vegetation cover, which is in line with Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives.
Digital transformation and the future of security
With technological advancements, Saudi women are contributing to the Ministry of Interior's technical sectors through work in cybersecurity, developing e-services (such as the Absher platform), and digitally restoring and processing documents. This integration of human expertise and technology underscores that Saudi women have become indispensable strategic partners in the comprehensive national security equation.
