First group of Saudi female soldiers graduation - in pictures
Two women lead the way at a graduation ceremony for Saudi Arabia's first female military personnel, at the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Centre. All photographs: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence
The change in early 2021 to allow women into the Saudi military came as part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 programme.
The defence ministry says the centre aims to provide the best training facilities for female military personnel.
The first batch of graduates from the Armed Forces Women's Cadre Training Centre take their oath at the passing out ceremony. They completed a 14-week basic training programme.
Guests at the graduation ceremony.
Saudi women can now serve in the Royal Saudi Air Defence, the Royal Saudi Navy, the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force and the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Admission procedures for joining the Saudi Armed Forces are the same for men and women recruits.
