Saudi Arabia launches Middle East's first all-female sea ranger corps in its royal reserve

Just ahead of World Ranger Day on July 31, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve announced a historic development—the establishment of the Middle East’s first all-female sea ranger corps.

This bold initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and environmental preservation in line with its Vision 2030 goals.

The new all-female ranger force will patrol the Reserve’s expansive 170-kilometer Red Sea coastline, alongside their male counterparts and the Saudi Border Guard. By doing so, these women will be at the forefront of safeguarding the region's delicate marine and terrestrial ecosystems, marking a milestone in inclusive environmental stewardship.

A Significant Step Toward Gender Equity in Conservation

As of now, the Reserve’s ranger corps consists of 246 personnel, of which 34% are women. This is a remarkable achievement, especially when considering that the global average for female representation in conservation roles stands at just 11%. The recruitment campaign for this new initiative carried a groundbreaking message: “Women are encouraged to apply”. This emphasis on inclusion has had a significant impact, helping drive the diversification of the force.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve’s effort to integrate women into critical conservation roles is in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030, which aims to foster diversity and promote gender equality in various sectors, including the environment. As part of this broader push, it’s important to note that 5 of the 11 team leaders across the Reserve are women, highlighting the critical leadership roles they now hold in a previously male-dominated field.Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Reserve, highlighted the importance of this initiative by emphasizing the global struggle to achieve gender balance in conservation, especially within marine roles. “From our first ranger recruitment in 2021, we’ve prioritized inclusion,” Zaloumis said. “Today, women are helping shape the future of conservation in Saudi Arabia.” This progressive move sets a powerful example for the region, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

Rigorous Training Paves the Way for Success

The newly appointed female sea rangers underwent rigorous marine training, a process that took a year to complete. Under the guidance of Dominique du Toit, a senior regional manager and seasoned South African conservationist, these women honed their skills in marine patrolling and aquatic safety. Their training included swimming instruction and fieldwork to prepare them for the demanding conditions they would face in the Reserve’s marine zone.The first cohort of seven fully trained female rangers officially joined active patrols in July 2024, contributing to the Reserve’s ongoing efforts to protect its diverse marine ecosystems. “This training reflects the discipline and determination of these women,” said du Toit. “Their achievement is groundbreaking not only for the Reserve but for marine conservation across the region.” The inclusion of female rangers in these critical roles signifies a significant step forward for both gender equality and environmental preservation in the region.

A Vast and Diverse Mission: Protecting Fragile Ecosystems

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest conservation areas, spanning a vast 24,500 square kilometers that includes mountains, valleys, coastline, and sea. Rangers patrol these expansive landscapes, working tirelessly to protect the fragile ecosystems from threats like illegal hunting, fishing, logging, and unregulated grazing. The Reserve is an invaluable part of Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage, and the role of the ranger corps, whether male or female, is crucial to ensuring that this environment is preserved for future generations.The Reserve’s marine zone covers 1.8% of Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters, yet it is home to 64% of the country’s coral species and 22% of its fish species, including endangered species such as Hawksbill and Green turtles, Spinner dolphins, Dugongs, and the iconic Whale sharks. Rangers patrol these waters aboard two custom-designed marine vessels, ensuring constant monitoring and protection. In addition to safeguarding the marine life, they also work to maintain the health of essential ecosystems like the gray mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastal protection and biodiversity.Since 2022, the Reserve’s ranger corps have successfully conducted nearly 35,000 land and sea patrols. Beyond protecting wildlife, the rangers are also involved in various key activities, including ecological monitoring, wildlife reintroductions, sustainable tourism management, and environmental compliance. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the Reserve is not only a sanctuary for endangered species but also a model for sustainable conservation practices.

A Vision for the Future of Conservation

The establishment of the all-female sea ranger corps is just one of the many achievements stemming from Saudi Arabia’s broader conservation efforts. The creation of the Royal Reserves Council, established in 2018 by Royal Order, has been a key driver of this transformation. The council, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, oversees six Royal Reserves, each with its own Board of Directors. The Council’s strategic objectives aim to protect Saudi Arabia’s natural environment and promote ecotourism, all while supporting the Kingdom’s sustainability goals, including the Saudi Green Initiative.

This initiative seeks to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by 2030.