Middle East Celebrates Historic Launch of Female Sea Ranger Corps

On July 31, 2025, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve made a pivotal announcement, unveiling the first female sea ranger corps in the Middle East. This landmark event coincided with World Ranger Day, marking a significant achievement in marine conservation. The new unit comprises a trailblazing team of female sea rangers, joining their male counterparts to patrol the rich 170 kilometers of the Red Sea coastline.

A New Era in Conservation

The establishment of the female sea ranger corps represents a progressive step toward inclusivity in conservation efforts, especially within a traditionally male-dominated field. Currently, 34% of the 246 rangers employed by the reserve are women, surpassing the global average of 11% for female rangers. Andrew Zaloumis, the CEO of the reserve, expressed pride in the accomplishments of female rangers and highlighted the ongoing initiative to recruit more women into the conservation workforce to meet the targets set by Vision 2030.

One of the dedicated sea rangers, Ruqayyah Awadh AlBalawi, shared her excitement, stating, "I discovered a whole new world underwater. It’s an honor to be part of this pioneering group. I dream of the day a woman will command a patrol maritime vessel!"

This initiative not only uplifts women's representation but also aims to bolster marine biodiversity conservation in Saudi Arabia. As the country commits to protecting 30% of its land and marine environments by 2030, the role of the female sea rangers becomes increasingly vital.

Comprehensive Training and Unique Challenges

The journey to becoming a sea ranger has not been devoid of obstacles. Limited access to swimming courses and maritime career opportunities previously hindered women's participation in marine patrols. However, a specialized training program led by seasoned conservation experts, including South African marine conservationist Dominique du Toit, has opened doors. The program focuses on both swimming and navigation skills, enabling female rangers to embark on fulfilling marine conservation careers.

Significant Impact on Marine Ecosystems

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve encompasses a marine area of 3,856 km², representing 1.8% of Saudi Arabia's territorial waters. This region is a treasure trove of biodiversity, hosting 64% of the nation’s coral species and diverse marine life, including green turtles, dugongs, and whale sharks. The newly formed corps will patrol these critical habitats using purpose-built vessels designed to ensure effective conservation efforts.

Over the past year, seven newly trained female sea rangers have joined patrols within the marine section of the reserve, further diversifying the ranger teams. They will perform similar duties to their male colleagues, playing a crucial role in ecological surveillance, wildlife management, and environmental impact assessments for development projects within the reserve.

Future Prospects

As the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve progresses under the broader vision of Saudi Arabia’s sustainability efforts, the inclusion of women in conservation leadership is expected to strengthen initiatives such as the 'Rewild Arabia' mission and the Saudi Green Initiative. The role of a ranger is increasingly recognized as both essential for ecological health and as a viable career path, with over 35,000 applications submitted for ranger positions since 2022.

The launch of the first female sea ranger corps is not merely a symbolic gesture but a crucial step towards ecological stewardship, empowering women and highlighting their invaluable contributions to protecting the environment. Together, the male and female rangers of the reserve are poised to make lasting impacts on both conservation practices and gender equity in professional fields.

The world watches as this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, providing hope for enhanced conservation efforts and paving the way for future generations of women in marine conservation.