RIYADH: If women have their own major role to play while a nation is at war, the women in Saudi Arabia is certainly not behind.

This is what was at display during a recently held Armed Forces Exhibition for Diversification (AFED) where the women of the Kingdom made their presence felt not just in terms of job nationalization efforts, but also their readiness to actively participate in the area of military requirements.

Held in Riyadh, the exhibition showcased the women’s skills and contributions in weaving military suits for soldiers, besides other kinds of fabric manufacture, design and sewings. Turfah Al-Mutairi, a Saudi businesswoman and general director of Sondos Al-Dibaj factory for manufacturing military outfits, said her participation in AFED stems from her very high sense of patriotism.

“We cherish and support our military forces. The factory’s female Saudi capabilities are highly productive and a source of pride.

Those women who will continue to stand on the lines of production, supervision, design and management are our daughters and the children of our nation and country,” said Al-Mutairi. The local market here in the Kingdom is competitive, “nonetheless, we hope that our products meet the needs of consumers,” she said.

“The factory started operations four years ago and is specialized in manufacturing military suits, helmets and bags in addition to other types of fabrics.”

The AFED exhibition, she said, is a great initiative by the Ministry of Interior that provides businesspeople with the opportunity to meet the other companies and form local partnerships. She praised the good organization of the exhibition and the participation of local and international companies.