المملكة: Photos| Imprint and identity… Saudi female guides are changing the face of tourism in the Kingdom

Saudi women have become an active and major partner in The growing tourism sector in the Kingdom, where her role has emerged strongly in the field of tourism guidance, contributing with her distinguished presence in drawing new features of the profession.
The role of the Saudi guide is no longer limited to conveying historical information, but has gone beyond that to become the creation of a rich tourist experience that blends deep knowledge and authentic cultural identity, providing visitors with a vivid picture of the Kingdom’s history and its generous hospitality.

Al-Ahsa’s female guides are an example of civilization and transformation

And from the governorate Al-Ahsa, known for its ancient heritage and rich nature, Saudi Girl Guides provide an inspiring model for this transformation. A group of them confirmed that their work in Tourist guidance goes beyond being just a job, to become a national message through which they reflect a civilization steeped in history, and a firm ambition towards a sustainable and bright tourism future.

Tourist guide Shorouk Al-Biladi explained that women today are essential partners in various fields, especially the tourism sector, noting that her role as a guide represents a cultural bridge that connects the visitor to the Saudi identity, taking advantage of her high ability to communicate to provide warm experiences that reflect authenticity.

Al-Biladi affirmed its continuous endeavor to develop its skills through the training programs provided by the Ministry of Tourism and the competent authorities, to keep pace with the great development in the sector, expressing its ambition to develop innovative tourist itineraries in Al-Ahsa and qualify new generations of female guides.

Leadership support for Saudi women

For her part, guide Amal Al-Ramadan, who has long experience spanning twenty-five years, indicated that tourism has opened new horizons for women, and that it She competed strongly in this field, providing a unique experience.

Al-Ramadan explained that she acquired guiding skills “by instinct” by organizing trips for family and friends before obtaining the official license, stressing that the support of The Ministry of Tourism provided training courses to hone this skill.

She stressed that society welcomed the role of the guide, especially by the families that preferred to accompany them, as long as the guide maintained her values and traditions.

Al-Ramadan attributed the credit for overcoming past obstacles, such as driving and obtaining licenses, to supporting the wise leadership to empower women, expressing her ambition to see the Kingdom as one of the most prominent global destinations and motivating more Saudi women. To become ambassadors for their country.

Women in Vision 2030

In the same context, guide Rania Al Khalifa confirmed that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 was the main driver for enhancing the role of women in tourism and developing national cadres, by creating opportunities and providing development programs.

She explained that the guide provides a unique perspective that enriches the tourist’s experience, and also uses social media effectively to promote tourism experiences, such as wearing traditional costumes. Such as the apron and the pickpocket dress, which reflects pride in national heritage.

The Caliph acknowledged the existence of current professional challenges, such as the necessity of mastering several languages to deal with the increasing numbers of international tourists, and the importance of managing time effectively to ensure the quality of tourist tours.

The Saudi guide is a source of pride and pride

In turn, guide Shahad Al-Khawaitim, a graduate of the field of tourism and hospitality, stated that her passion for historical details is what motivated her For the domain.

She pointed out that the initial challenge was to prove herself in the market, which she overcame with patience and practice, stressing that the visitors’ positive and encouraging reactions are the greatest motivation to continue, and that society has come to view the Saudi guide as a source of pride.
She said: "My ambition is to contribute to the development of qualitative tourism experiences that highlight the beauty of Al-Ahsa and its ancient history, and to be part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in making tourism a pillar of the national economy. I also encourage every young Saudi woman who is passionate about history, culture, and civilization to step confidently into the world of tourism guidance. Today, we are actively contributing to shaping a sustainable and bright tourism future for our country"

Facing the challenges to go through the experience

As for the guide, Malak Al-Ibrahim, who moved to the field from a scientific background in mathematics and accounting, she confirmed that the support of her parents was decisive for her to enter the Ministry of Tourism courses.

She described her feeling on her first tourist tour as “indescribable,” stressing that there are currently no obstacles facing women thanks to the support and encouragement she finds, and her ambition is to transform visitors’ experiences into unforgettable trips.

Lamia Al-Biladi stressed that despite some hesitation at the beginning, the increase in awareness and culture has made society a strong supporter and encourager of the role of a guide, who today is considered an honorable face for her country and its culture.
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She said that my experience in tourism guidance is a beautiful experience because women have a role in this society, including the profession of tourist guidance and facing challenges, the most important of which is overcoming anxiety and tension, especially in the beginning. Therefore, in the beginning, I went out on volunteer trips to break the barrier of anxiety and then support it, and after that I was able, praise be to God, and the difficulties were overcome. I aspire to serve and achieve a national vision and goal and be at the pinnacle of success.

Regarding the reaction of the community and visitors, Al-Biladi said that at the beginning it was a response. Society acted between supporters and opponents, but as days passed and culture and awareness increased, they became supporters and encouragers of the role of tour guide.

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