A Celebration of Women in Maritime: Saudi Female Leadership Making Waves in London

In the build-up to International Day for Women in Maritime, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated women’s achievements in the maritime sector.

Eng. Kamal Al-Junaidi, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), alongside a distinguished Saudi delegation welcomed representatives from 35 countries who came together to learn about inspirational leadership of female trailblazers in Saudi Arabia and the supportive efforts of the entities. The event also welcomed leading figures from WISTA International, the IMO Gender Network, IMPHA, and IMSO – highlighting the global commitment to advancing gender equality in maritime leadership.

In his welcoming remarks, Eng. Kamal Al-Junaidi emphasised the symbolic significance of holding the event aboard a vessel, noting the progress made in a sector where women were once rarely seen. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable achievements under Vision 2030, with female workforce participation now at 35.8%, surpassing the original target. He also hailed the emergence of Saudi women as port managers, marine surveyors, maritime engineers, and leaders in environmental compliance, supported by new educational programs at institutions such as King Abdulaziz University. Ms. Hind Alhalel of the Transport General Authority opened the presentations and shared about the 'Sea of Eve' campaign within the Kingdom showcasing the efforts.

The event’s program featured a series of impactful presentations.  Dr. Amal Albawardi supported by Ms. Najla Bajudah, of the National Center for Environmental Compliance, highlighted a dramatic increase in women’s participation-from 0% in 2020 to 24% in 2024-with women now leading national oil spill drills and environmental emergency planning.

Dr. Abeer AlGhamdi, the first Saudi woman Marine Inspector in the public sector, was applauded for her leadership in inspection quality at MAWANI and her international recognition.

Vice Dean of Faculty of Maritime Studies for women of King Abdulaziz University, Prof. Maha Ahmd Hijazi presented on the 80% increase of female applicants. Ms. Hanan Amoudi of Bahri shed light of the initiatives of Bahri supporting female cadets on board their ships.

Dr. Lina Eyouni was spotlighted as the first Saudi woman to earn a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and the first representative of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO’s Group of Experts on Capacity Development. She is now leading environmental monitoring for giga-projects at Red Sea Global.

The presentations also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s active support for international mentorship programs, such as the IMO Gender Network’s “Women on Board” initiative and the development of best practices and resource guides for the industry.

As the Silver Sturgeon sailed past London’s landmarks, the event underscored a powerful message: the maritime sector is being transformed by the vision, resilience, and leadership of women. Saudi Arabia’s commitment – through policy, education, and international collaboration – was celebrated as a model for the industry’s future. The evening concluded with a renewed call to deepen this shared commitment, ensuring that the tide of progress continues to rise for women at sea and ashore.