For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, the first group of female Saudi soldiers has graduated from the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Centre, this week.

It is for the very first time, that women from the kingdom will begin service in frontline roles. The female soldiers were welcomed on Wednesday after completing a 14-week military training course.

The move has come as a part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to reform almost every aspect of life and government, that includes giving ample opportunities to women.

Maj. Gen. Adel Al Balawi, head of the Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, said during a speech that the center aims to provide the best training facilities for the female staff of the Defence Ministry, especially in areas where the ministry is most in need.

“The center has an important mission, which is to provide distinguished training programmes and curricula and an ideal educational environment in accordance with international quality standards that meet the needs of the armed forces of female cadres. The centre aims to help realise the ministry’s goals in the future,” he said.

Chief of the General Staff Gen Fayyad Al Ruwaili, Chief Sgt Suleiman Al Maliki, acting commander of the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Centre, Maj Gen Hamid Al Omari, director of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, and several senior officers graced the occasion.

The cadets took oaths which were accepted by Chief Sgt. Hadi Al Anezi, assistant commander of the centre. This was followed by results and prizes for outstanding performances.

Saudi women can now join the Forces and can climb the ranks from soldier to officer in the Royal Saudi Air Defence, Royal Saudi Navy, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, and the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Earlier in February, Saudi Arabia opened posts in the military to women for the first time, allowing them to sign up through a unified admission portal. Saudi women between the ages of 21 and 40 are allowed to apply for these posts.