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In the last few years, things have changed drastically for women in Saudi Arabia when it comes to their rights and female empowerment.
The changes are part of the many initiatives under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 scheme, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, which has a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.

Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince unveiled in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018 and he has gone on to do much more.
Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.

Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
In the last few months alone, there have been many notable history-making moments and appointments in Saudi Arabia paving the way for women.
Here’s seven history-making moments which have occurred for women in the Kingdom just recently.
A female member of the Saudi Royal Guard performing her duties
Back in June, Moaid Mahjoub, Director of Government Affairs, External Relations and Protocol at Princess Jawahar Al Saud’s Private Office, posted a photo on Twitter of a female member of the Saudi Royal Guard performing her duties.

Historical moment at Saudi Royal Guard Regiment . Thanks to The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud . #pif #g20saudiarabia #saudiarabia #riyadh #jeddah #السعودية#الحرس_الملكي pic.twitter.com/2r665rbdXT
— مؤيد محجوب Moaid Mahjoub (@moaidmahjoub) June 25, 2020

“Historical moment at Saudi Royal Guard Regiment. Thanks to The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” Mahjoub captioned the photo.
It was announced in October last year women would be able to start joining the military and land forces in the Kingdom in a wide range of positions including corporals and sergeants. This could be across any of the armed forces in Saudi Arabia including the Strategic Missile Forces, Armed Forces Medical Services, Saudi Arabian Navy and the Air Force.
Princess Reema’s new official appointment
HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud has officially been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday.
It’s a history-making moment, as she becomes the first Saudi female ambassador to be appointed as a member of the IOC.

Honored to be elected as a member of #IOC. Thank you to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, HRH Crown Prince, and @AbdulazizTF for their support. It has been an honor to serve my community through the universal language of sports. @iocmedia @saudiolympic pic.twitter.com/vLsNltgz0c
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) July 17, 2020

Upon her official appointment, the princess took to Twitter to share how “honoured” she was to be elected onto the committee.
“Thank you to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, HRH Crown Prince, and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal [President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee] for their support,” she added. “It has been an honour to serve my community through the universal language of sports.”
A groundbreaking court ruling
In a court ruling that occurred in the Kingdom in July, it was stated: “An adult, rational woman living independently is not a crime”.
Prior to this ruling, the parents of a woman who had disappeared or was living along without gaining permission from their guardians would be able to file a report with the police, according to Gulf News. It was known as the ‘absenteeism’ law.
However, the latest ruling that women can live independently could drastically improve gender equality in Saudi Arabia, was hailed as “historical” by lawyer Abdul Rahman Al Lahim.
“A historic ruling was issued on Wednesday, affirming that independence of a sane, adult woman in a separate house is not a crime worthy of punishment,” the lawyer said on Twitter at the time. “I am very happy with this ruling that ends tragic stories for women.”
Saudi Arabia appoints its first female cultural attaches
Last month, three female cultural attaches were appointed, which is a first for the nation.
The appointment was made by the Education Minister for the Kingdom, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, who determined the new positions of the three Saudi women, all of whom are educators, according to the nation’s state news agency.

#وزير_التعليم يصدر قرارات تكليف عدد من الملحقين الثقافيين في دول خليجية وعربية وصديقة من بينهم ثلاث سيدات؛ يتقلدن هذا المنصب للمرة الأولى، وذلك تمكيناً للمرأة السعودية لخدمة وطنها وقيادتها.https://t.co/CoFDoNU8HJ pic.twitter.com/scGn1VQSGZ
— وزارة التعليم – جامعي (@mohe_sa) August 2, 2020

Fahda bint Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has been appointed as cultural attache in Ireland; Dr. Amal bint Jameel Fatani has been appointed cultural attache in the UK; and Dr. Yusra bint Hussain Al-Jazairi has been appointed as acting cultural attache in Morocco.
Female Secretary-General of Tabuk’s regional council appointed
Last month Dr. Khulood Mohammed al-Khamis was appointed Secretary-General of Tabuk’s regional council, it made her the first woman to hold this role across the entire Kingdom.
Having worked as an associate professor in the science department at the University of Tabuk, Dr. al-Khamis knows the area well.
To solidify her new role, the new secretary-general met with the Governor of Tabuk Region Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday after her new appointment was announced.
The governor expressed how confident he was in Dr. al-Khamis being the first woman to hold such a position.
“His Highness congratulated Dr. Khulood al-Khamis on this confidence as the first woman to hold the position of Secretary-General of the regional council at the level of the Kingdom, wishing her continued success in her new work,” a statement said about the pair’s meeting which was obtained by the Saudi Press Agency.
10 women in senior positions at Two Holy Mosques
In mid-August, Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs appointed 10 women into senior roles at the Two Holy Mosques.
Per a statement issued to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the latest appointments are “empowering women to assume leadership positions is an important subject that will reflect on the development and the economy”.
The statement also added that the new appointments are set to “support the process of creativity and achieving the principles of quality and the highest standards of excellence in order to achieve the generous aspirations of the wise leadership”.
First female director-general appointed in the Foreign Ministry
In late August, another historical appointment was made with the announcement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry that Ahlam Bint Abdulrahman Yanksar would take on the role of director-general of the ministry’s department of cultural affairs. This makes her the first female figure to hold such a senior post in the Kingdom, per Gulf News.
Having obtained a master’s degree in international business administration from the University of London, Ahlam has had a successful career working in both the Ministry’s undersecretary for political and economic affairs. She has also worked in the Saudi embassy in London, where she studied, in the economic and cultural section.
It’s clear things are changing rapidly for women in the Kingdom, which is very exciting to see.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Getty More

While it’s likely many people are craving a sunny getaway, travelling during a pandemic is an unnerving thought.
To give travellers peace of mind, Emirates announced last month it would be offering free COVID-19 medical cover for its passengers. Now, following suit, FlyDubai has announced the same cover for their passengers.

For passengers booking flights with FlyDubai between September 1 and November 30, 2020, if they were to contract the virus during their travels, their coronavirus medical costs will be taken care of, as well as any quarantine expenses occurred during their trip.
Upon the booking being made, insurance will be automatically applied for passengers.
READ: A complete list of the destinations Emirates is currently flying to

Valid for 31 days from when passengers take their first flight, the insurance will give cover globally for travellers.
Each passenger is eligible of up to €150,000 (Dhs653,000) of medical expenses and up to €100 (Dhs435).
However, as with any policy and terms and conditions, ensure you read carefully to make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for.
But all in all, if we do have to travel any time soon, you can bet we’ll choosing FlyDubai to Emirates.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Emirates Instagram  More

Dubai-based Karen Wazen and her eponymous eyewear brand announced they are donating $10,000 (approximately Dhs37,000) to the relief efforts in Beirut following the devastating blast.
Aptly Karen Wazen Eyewear is donating the money to the Beirut Eye & ENT Spec Hospital (BESH) to help the some 6,000 who were injured in the devastating explosion in the Lebanese capital last month.

In the wake of the tragedy on August 4, Wazen, who is from Beirut, shared her heartbreak over the blast to her 4.3 million followers on Instagram.

“My heart is shattered in pieces… shattered like the glass of over 300,000 homes across Lebanon,” Wazen said last month.
She urged people to help her beloved country which was “crying out for help” following the tragic events.
Wazen joins the many brands and celebrities who have donated to help the Beirut relief efforts.
Chanel and H&M both made large donations to causes and Beirut-based Zuhair Murad launched an initiative to raise money for relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Amal and George Clooney and Bella Hadid have also made donations to help the city of Beirut.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Karen Wazen Instagram More

To mark Queen Rania of Jordan’s milestone 50th birthday, a series of new photographs of Her Majesty have been released.
However, the most special portrait of all was released late last night – a brand new photo of Queen Rania, King Abdullah II and their four children, Crown Prince Hussein, 26, Princess Iman, 23, Princess Salma, 19 and 15-year-old Prince Hashem.

In the caption of the photo which was shared to her official Instagram page, Queen Rania shared her delight at being able to spend her 50th birthday with the people she loves most in the world.
“Nothing beats a day spent surrounded with the people you love most,” she said. “And thank you all for your lovely birthday greetings – you made my day!”

Her Majesty also opened up about celebrating her birthday amidst the pandemic in an interview with Hello! magazine. Queen Rania gave thanks to her country in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, putting the people of Jordan’s “health and wellbeing first”.
Speaking on her family, the royal admitted she’s “always wished for more time” with her husband, King Abdullah, and their four children. But given the current pandemic “time is all [she’s] had” with her family, which she’s incredibly thankful for.
“It has been such a blessing to have all my children around, particularly during the months when Jordan was under a strict lockdown,” she told the UK publication.
She also took the opportunity to lovingly pay tribute to her husband of 27 years saying he makes her “want to do more and be more… inspiring me in every moment of my life”.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Queen Rania Instagram More

Legendary Egyptian actress Sherihan has announced her return to the spotlight after 30 years.
The 55-year-old will star in a new play Coco Chanel, which will air at a few screenings across the region.

Aptly to begin with the body of work will be shown in one of Cairo’s major theatres, which is where Sherihan is from.

It’s an exciting time for the Egyptian star, as she returns to acting after a three-decade hiatus. Sherihan was forced to retire from acting years ago due to treatments she received after being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
Now, for her comeback, she will embody the role of legendary designer Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel, the founder of the iconic French Maison.
According to the author of the play, it will also be shown in Saudi Arabia during the next ‘Riyadh Season’.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Sherihan Instagram More

Today, August 31, 2020, marks a milestone birthday for Her Majesty Queen Rania as she turns 50.
During her 50 – 27 years of which have been in the Jordanian royal family after marrying King Abdullah II of Jordan (who was then a prince) – has established herself as one of the most influential women in the world, continually advocating for education, health, cross-cultural dialogue, amongst other social injustices.

To mark the special occasion, the Royal Hashemite Court shared a new portrait of King Abdullah and Queen Rania.
“The Royal Hashemite Court wishes Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah many happy returns on the occasion of her birthday,” the captioned their post on the court’s official Instagram page.

Her Majesty also opened up about celebrating her birthday amidst the pandemic in In an interview with Hello! magazine. Queen Rania gave thanks to her country in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, putting the people of Jordan’s “health and wellbeing first”.

Speaking on her family, the royal admitted she’s “always wished for more time” with her husband, King Abdullah, and their four children – Crown Prince Hussein, 26, Princess Iman, 23, Princess Salma, 19 and 15-year-old Prince Hashem. But given the current pandemic “time is all [she’s] had” with her family, which she’s incredibly thankful for.
“It has been such a blessing to have all my children around, particularly during the months when Jordan was under a strict lockdown,” she told the UK publication.
She also took the opportunity to lovingly pay tribute to her husband of 27 years saying he makes her “want to do more and be more… inspiring me in every moment of my life”.
Despite her gratitude of being able to spend time with her family, Queen Rania also admitted she was “heartbroken to see the pain and loss the virus has inflicted on so many around the world”.
In spite of the difficult times, EW wishes Queen Rania a very happy 50th birthday and hope she can continue to inspire many around the globe for years to come.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Royal Hashemite Court Instagram More

By decree from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, paid paternity leave has been granted for those working in the private sector.
This groundbreaking move makes the UAE the first Arab nation to make paid paternity leave a requirement in the private sector.

Under the new amendments to the federal law, five days of paid paternity leave must now be given to private sector employees. This leave can be taken from when the baby is born up until they are six months old.
According to state news agency WAM, the new law will reinforce the aim to achieve gender balance. It’s also to “achieve family stability and cohesion, and encourage young people to work in the private sector”.

#UAEPresident approves amendments to federal law on paternity leave #WamNews https://t.co/Cb1SKSNarL pic.twitter.com/XaOlZCeQtf
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 30, 2020

It’s a move that’s certainly welcomed in the region as the rules surrounding paternity leave in other countries are reportedly unclear.
Per The National, in Saudi Arabia it’s stated that paternity leave of three days should be given to men, but it’s not be made clear if this just for the public sector or if it pertains to the private sector too. Meanwhile, Lebanon also has three days paternity leave, but this is allegedly not often enforced.
As for other Arab nations including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Syria, there is no paternity leave offered.
The new federal law in the UAE also puts the nation leaps and bounds ahead of the USA, as there is no paternity leave currently offered for new fathers. Similarly, there is no guaranteed maternity leave for new mothers either in the western nation.
In the UAE at present, women in the public sector are given 90 days of paid maternity leave, while those working in the private sector are given 45 days of paid maternity leave.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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