“The job was described as a ranger, which was a new concept for me. No Saudi woman had worked in this field before, so I didn’t know exactly what to expect,” recalls Rogayah Awad Al-Balawi.

Rogayah hails from Al-Sudayd, a small village in Al Wajh Governorate, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The daughter of a traditional Bedouin family, she grew up in an environment where customs are deeply rooted, and societal roles are well-defined. Yet, the allure of the wilderness called to her, drawing her to a path few women in the Middle East had dared to tread.

Rogayah graduated from the College of Languages and Translation. “After I graduated from university in 2021, I started applying for jobs. When I saw the announcement for the Reserve, I applied, though honestly, I didn’t expect much and didn’t know much about it,” she admits.

In 2021, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority launched the Middle East’s first all-women ranger corps. This bold move contributes to the Kingdom’s broader efforts to empower women and promote gender equality as part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and expand opportunities for women in various sectors.

The recruitment campaign carried the groundbreaking message: “Women are encouraged to apply.” Despite skepticism, 40 women applied, including Rogayah. “When I learned that it involved patrolling the wilderness, I was personally fine with it because I love being outdoors,” she said.

Despite her enthusiasm, Rogayah’s family initially hesitated to support her decision. Growing up in a large family with 14 siblings, she developed strong teamwork skills and a sense of responsibility early on. Her Bedouin heritage instilled in her values of loyalty, commitment, and honesty, traits that proved invaluable in her role as a ranger. “At first, my family was hesitant, but I explained to them the nature of my work and the support system in place. Over time, they became more accepting and supportive,” Rogayah shares.

Rogayah was among the pioneering women to undergo the selection process, standing out for her exceptional physical fitness and dedication. She successfully completed the same demanding assessments as her male counterparts, excelling in challenges such as running 5km and 10km, push-ups, and pull-ups. Her performance highlighted her resilience and determination.

Rogayah was one of 19 women to be offered a role in Saudi Arabia’s first women ranger platoon. These pioneering women gave themselves the nickname ‘’ Alanqas’’ – a mythical bird known for its strength and beauty. Today women make up 33% of the Reserve’s 184-strong ranger team.

Rogayah’s perspective on wildlife and conservation has evolved significantly since joining the Reserve. ” Once I started working, I understood the Reserve’s importance. Protecting our region and contributing to conservation became a personal mission for me. My perspective has changed greatly. In the past, our community viewed hunting as a sport, and killing predators like wolves was seen as an achievement. But now, I understand the importance of all species, even predators, and the need for them to coexist,” she explains.

Every morning, Rogayah dons her ranger uniform and prepares her equipment: binoculars, flashlights, GPS devices, and compasses. She and her fellow rangers patrol vast stretches of the Reserve, which encompasses 24,500 square kilometers of mountains, valleys, coastline and sea. Their mission is to protect this fragile ecosystem from threats such as illegal hunting and fishing, logging, and unregulated grazing.

Despite the demanding nature of working in the wilderness, Rogayah’s love for the outdoors drives her forward. “I love the inspections and discovering new things, such as ancient engravings and artifacts,” she says, her voice filled with awe and reverence.

Rogayah’s journey is marked by her experiences in a male-dominated field, less than 11% of the World’s rangers are women. She faces societal expectations and challenges perceptions about women’s roles in conservation. Her presence in the Reserve challenges stereotypes and reshapes views on women’s capabilities in such demanding roles. “Sometimes, when we are only women working in the field, we encounter people who are not accustomed to seeing women in these roles, which can be challenging,” she explains.

One of her most notable contributions was capturing footage of the elusive sand cat, a rare and endangered species not seen in the area for decades. Her discovery was a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Reserve and the critical role that rangers play in protecting it.

“Having local women working at the Reserve is crucial. We are more familiar with the area and its needs,” Rogayah emphasized. Her deep connection to the land and her Bedouin heritage provides her with unique insights into the region’s ecology, making her an invaluable asset to the conservation efforts.

Since joining the Reserve, Rogayah has witnessed significant positive changes in both the environment and the local community. “The Reserve has created numerous job opportunities for the locals. It has also helped regulate grazing, preventing overgrazing by non-local herders, which benefits the local ecosystem. The overall presence of the Reserve has improved the security and quality of life in the area,” she notes.

Beyond the economic benefits, the all-women ranger corps has become a powerful symbol of empowerment and progress, inspiring a new generation of Saudi women to pursue careers in conservation and beyond. As Rogayah reflects on her journey, she envisions a future where women continue to break barriers and lead in the field of conservation.

“The Reserve has given women like me opportunities that weren’t available before. It’s not just a job; it’s a mission that I’m proud to be a part of,” she says. Rogayah hopes that the success of the all-women ranger corps will inspire more women to join conservation efforts, fostering a deeper appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage and ensuring its protection for future generations.

As Rogayah and her fellow rangers continue their vital work, they are not only safeguarding the natural and cultural environment s but also forging a new path for women in Saudi Arabia, challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions one patrol at a time.