‘No nation ever experienced what we are experiencing,’ says Saudi Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud

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Updated 13 March 2025
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‘No nation ever experienced what we are experiencing,’ says Saudi Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud

‘No nation ever experienced what we are experiencing,’ says Saudi Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud
  • On the sidelines of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Princess Lamia describes “golden opportunity” for Saudi youth
  • Saudi philanthropist lauds the Kingdom’s rapid progress on women’s empowerment brought about by Saudi Vision 2030

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia has been on a transformative journey in recent years, particularly when it comes to women’s empowerment, with a range of once-unimaginable opportunities opening up in education, business, the workforce, and social life.

On the sidelines of the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women, or CSW, chaired this year by Saudi Arabia, Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud lauded the Kingdom’s strides toward gender equality and her vision for the future.

In a wide-ranging interview with Arab News, she highlighted the significant progress Saudi women have made, the challenges still on the horizon, and the critical role that the youth, especially young women, play in shaping the nation’s destiny.

“We have momentum. I think it is now our time to shine,” she said.

A key part of this momentum is the growing realization of the vast potential that Saudi women possess. With more than 9 million women in Saudi Arabia, 67 percent of whom are under the age of 30, the Kingdom holds an immense demographic advantage.




Princess Lamia 

Princess Lamia said that the opportunities currently available to Saudi women in terms of education, employment, and empowerment were unprecedented.

“Can you imagine the amount of power? Can you imagine, with all the doors open for Saudi women, with all the support, with all the initiatives done, and the educational opportunities, and the training, the jobs, everything that is happening,” she said.

“This is our time. Now. There is no room for losing this opportunity.”

Princess Lamia reflected on her experience at the high-level side event at the CSW, where she was part of a panel titled: “From vision to reality: Saudi Arabia’s story of women’s empowerment.”

The event offered the Kingdom a chance to showcase the profound changes that have taken place in Saudi Arabia over the past decade — an opportunity that Princess Lamia said was historic.

“What happened, it was history,” she said. “We witnessed history with this amount of expertise of women sitting on the same panel in New York at the UN to present our success and our story.”

She said that it was a significant milestone not only for Saudi women but for the Kingdom as a whole, highlighting the country’s commitment to driving gender equality and empowering women across all sectors.

“For Saudi Arabia to chair the CSW, it’s well deserved,” she added.




Left to Right: Prof. Einas Al-Eisa, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, Prof. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, and Princess Lamia bint Majid at the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York. (Supplied)

For Princess Lamia, the presence of so many accomplished women at the event underscored the progress women had made. She drew particular attention to the confidence and determination of the panelists.

“It was astonishing,” she said. “The amount of confidence that reflects that we’re free to choose our path.”

Despite the Kingdom’s rapid progress, Princess Lamia acknowledged that challenges remain. “Let’s be very honest, where is the country that is 100 percent free of challenges? There’s no such a thing,” she said. 

“It’s about sustaining the process and sustaining the development, and how you keep it going on the right path and on a healthy path, and at a healthy speed.

“Yes, we’ve been very fast, but we’ve been very late — that’s why we work very fast. But to have it sustained, this is the most important thing.

“Of course, we still have challenges. We’re a very young country in our 90s, and we did all of that in nine years.”

She added: “But where we reached (in that time), I don’t think even Europe and the US have the same thing in empowering women.”

Princess Lamia shared an example, highlighting the differences between Saudi Arabia and other regions in terms of women’s rights.

In many Western countries, gender equality issues such as equal pay for women are still being debated in government institutions, she said. However, in Saudi Arabia, any instance of unequal pay can be addressed immediately through legal channels.

“In Saudi Arabia, any governmental entity, if I prove that a male is taking one riyal more than me, I can sue them instantly,” she said. “Where is that, but in Saudi Arabia?”

A significant part of Princess Lamia’s vision for women’s empowerment is grounded in the example set by Princess Nourah bint Abdel Rahman, the sister of King Abdulaziz, who played an instrumental role in shaping the Kingdom’s early years.

Such was her impact, the largest women’s university in the world is named after her.

“Princess Nourah bint Abdel Rahman is the figure of women’s empowerment,” Princess Lamia said, adding that there is still much to be learned from her legacy.

Princess Nourah’s contributions to Saudi society were multifaceted, as “the consultant, the minister of foreign affairs, the sister, the friend, everything,” and a key figure in the royal family, said Princess Lamia.

King Abdulaziz, Princess Nourah’s brother, took great pride in her achievements, often saying, “I am Nourah’s brother,” rather than emphasizing his royal status.

“Can you imagine? With the tribal mentality, a man to say this during wartime?”

Princess Nourah’s humility and commitment to empowering others resonates deeply with Princess Lamia, who views her as a beacon of strength and inspiration. “She’s a character I think I’m embodying (in the sense) that I truly admire her,” she said.

Princess Lamia also highlighted the vital role women play in philanthropy and social development. She emphasized the critical role that mothers play in shaping strong families and societies.

“Listen, if you want to have a developing nation, it needs to rely on its people, and mothers are the main pillars,” she said.

“If the mother is very well-educated, empowered, definitely the family will be strong. One woman has always been and will always be the main pillar of a family and of society. The only job that you cannot resign from is being a mother.”

Princess Lamia also reflected on her own journey in philanthropy, particularly as the secretary-general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, the charitable foundation led by the Saudi businessman and investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

She said that Prince Alwaleed’s decision to place his trust in women to lead and shape his philanthropic vision had left a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia and beyond.

“The relation between men and women, it is how you build this world,” she said. “This is how God created us. We need men and they need us. No one can move and move forward without the other. That’s a fact.”

Princess Lamia paid tribute to the Kingdom’s crown prince for implementing many of the reforms now serving women’s empowerment.

“Prince Mohammed bin Salman … he is the savior of the Kingdom,” she said, adding that his Vision 2030 has been a game-changer for the Kingdom, creating equal opportunities for both men and women.

“Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps toward gender equality, breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

“Would we be here today… without the vision of one person, Prince Mohammed bin Salman? No. Prince Mohammed, he created Vision 2030, he empowered us, he changed the country.

“He represents more than half of the population (youth), he is talking the same language. We’ve been waiting for that, us, (who are not of) this generation, we’ve been waiting for equal opportunities and gender equality.”

Reflecting on the collaborative spirit that now defines Saudi Arabia’s approach to women’s rights, Princess Lamia said: “We don’t have to fight with each other. We can work with each other.”

She added: “What we did, our generation, how we struggled to find our place in different positions, and how we paved the way for the upcoming generation, wasn’t easy. But I believe in (young women) so much that they can do much better than us.”

She encouraged young women to seize “the golden opportunity” that lies before them.

“No nation, around the world, ever experienced what we’re experiencing. You’re living the dream,” she said, urging the next generation to stand firm, to recognize their worth, and to build on the hard-won gains of those who came before them.

“Make us feel that it was worth it,” she said. “Look at us and say: ‘She had a very tough life. It wasn’t easy, but she made it. I want to be much better than her.’”
 

 


Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
Updated 7 sec ago
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Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
  • Parties discuss topics of mutual interest, further strengthening ties
  • Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar has received Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the Saudi capital.

The parties discussed topics of mutual interest and further strengthening the strong ties between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh in Riyadh.

Al-Asheikh welcomed Sadiq and his delegation, highlighting the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan at various levels.

He stressed the importance of enhancing ties through effective joint meetings between the Shoura Council and Pakistan’s National Assembly to meet leadership aspirations.

Sadiq praised the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, commending the Kingdom’s continued role in fostering solidarity within the Islamic world and serving Islam and Muslims globally.

The talks covered mutual interests and explored ways to enhance Saudi-Pakistani parliamentary relations.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the Kingdom’s grand mufti and president of the Council of Senior Scholars, also received the Pakistani National Assembly speaker.

The grand mufti, who is also the president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, stressed the presidency’s role in clarifying Islamic rulings on issues affecting Muslims, including contemporary jurisprudential matters requiring scholarly guidance.

Al-Asheikh also highlighted the commitment to promoting moderation and combating extremism and terrorism, the SPA reported.

Sadiq praised the Kingdom’s vital support for Pakistan on various issues, commending the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.


Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
Updated 10 min 58 sec ago
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Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday warned that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their visas expire face heavy penalties.

The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi Arabia government has appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or Umrah visas abide by the regulations.

“Visas of all types — with the exception of the Hajj visa — do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated on X.

Welcoming the decision Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, a law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News the ministry’s decision was “crucial” to ensure visitors comply with the law.

“This move by the Ministry of Interior will help deal with crowd management efficiently, and ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj,” he added.

Earlier this month, the ministry also warned Hajj and Umrah companies and establishments to adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.

The ministry said that companies or establishments that delay reporting individuals who have failed to leave will be fined up to SR100,000. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved.


Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
Updated 22 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
  • National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline
  • Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters

RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. 

Found in the country’s warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers.

The National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline. These efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters. 

Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival. 

On the international front, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen global cooperation in marine conservation. 

In 2013, the Kingdom signed an agreement to protect dugongs and their habitats and has taken part in initiatives such as the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011.

Throughout Environment Week, the center presented recent studies and carried out public outreach activities. 

Educational programs were provided to students, visitors, and marine life enthusiasts, emphasizing the dugong’s ecological role and the importance of preserving its habitat.

The center also showcased modern tracking technologies used to study the species and its movements, the SPA reported.


Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
Updated 22 April 2025
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Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
  • New agreements focus on scholarships, Chinese language programs, curriculum development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli.

The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.

The minister discussed promising investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s public and private education sectors through the “Invest Saudi” platform.

The meeting also highlighted the Saudi government’s scholarship program for Chinese students via the “Study in Saudi” platform, along with efforts to expand admission opportunities for Saudi scholarship recipients in Chinese graduate programs.

The Saudi and Chinese education ministries signed two memoranda of cooperation to exchange expertise in advanced curricula and provide scholarship programs for Saudi students in China.

One memorandum secures seats for Saudi students in top Chinese universities, enhances scholarship programs, and increases opportunities for Saudi students in high-demand fields. The China Scholarship Council represented the Chinese Ministry of Education in the signing.

The second memorandum, signed with the Chinese ministry’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation, introduces Chinese language education in Saudi public schools starting this academic year. Experts from both nations will collaborate to develop a comprehensive curriculum.

The Saudi minister also met Chinese counterpart Huai Jinpeng to discuss enhancing cooperation in general and higher education, exploring new opportunities, and exchanging expertise.

The meeting reviewed expanding partnerships between Saudi and Chinese universities and research centers in scientific research, graduate studies, scholarships, and medical education and training.

They explored investment opportunities for Chinese investors in the Saudi education sector, along with key opportunities in Chinese language education, e-learning, research, and innovation.


Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
Updated 58 min 34 sec ago
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Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
  • The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
  • Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace

JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. 

Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported. 

“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” said Modi in a statement released by his office.

“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”

This is Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia overall following visits in 2016 and 2019. 
The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
During the two-day visit, Modi is scheduled to meet members of the Indian community, according to his office. The visit is expected to see several memorandums of understanding being signed.