Saudi appoints two women to senior roles in government

Saudi’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued several royal orders, the most notable of which was the appointment of two women to prominent leadership positions. 

It was decided to appoint Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud as Deputy Minister of Tourism, and Al-Shihana Alazzaz as Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

According to observers, Saudi has seen a noticeable increase in support for women’s rights in recent years.

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud served as assistant minister of tourism and was in charge of implementing the National Tourism Strategy.

Al-Shihana Alazzaz is the first Saudi woman to practice law, and her story serves as a model for empowering Saudi women and increasing their chances of participating in the country’s development journey. Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that upon the Royal decree, Alazzaz became the first female deputy secretary of the Council of Ministers.  

Also, Khalid Al-Zaher and Aiman Al-Sayyari were appointed deputy governors of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Meanwhile, Mohammed bin Saleh was assigned as deputy secretary-general of the Council of Ministers.

The King also appointed Ahmed Al-Hassan as Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services. Bandar Bin Obaid Al-Rasheed has been appointed secretary to the Crown Prince with the rank of a minister. Mansour Bin Abdullah was appointed deputy secretary to the Crown Prince. 

Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih was appointed deputy minister of health for planning and development, while Ihab Al-Hashani was named deputy minister of municipal and rural affairs and housing.

Moreover, Rumaih Al-Rumaih has been appointed deputy minister of transport and logistics.