Scouting empowering Saudi women on global stage

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Scouting is more than just a youth activity; it is a universal language that connects young people from diverse cultures, developing their leadership, belonging and a sense of responsibility. In ֱ, Scouting has emerged as a vital platform for empowering youth, especially women, in alignment with Vision 2030, which places youth at the heart of the nation’s transformation.
Driven by (Princess Lamia) a deep belief in the leadership potential of Saudi women, Alwaleed Philanthropies launched a strategic initiative in collaboration with the World Scout Foundation to expand young women’s participation in Scouting both within the Kingdom and internationally. This initiative has led to the establishment of the first women’s Scout units in leading Saudi universities, and authorities including Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Khalid University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

The focus is not on symbolic representation, but on true empowerment. To date, more than 400 Saudi Rovers have been supported, many trained to represent the Kingdom at global events, while others lead Scout teams on campus, strengthening their presence both nationally and internationally. In 2019, the initiative enabled the first official participation of young Saudi women at the World Scout Jamboree in the US, a historic moment that marked a new era for women in Saudi Scouting. This journey continued with active participation at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 and now we celebrate the participation of a female Saudi delegation at the World Scout Moot in Portugal in 2025.

The focus is not on symbolic representation, but on true empowerment. To date, more than 400 Saudi Rovers have been supported.

Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud Al-Saud

We also launched the first Saudi edition of the “JOTA-JOTI” virtual program in collaboration with Princess Nourah University, opening new avenues for young women to connect globally and learn in innovative digital spaces.
As chair of the Girl Scouts Committee at the ֱn Scouts Association, my (Princess Sama) focus is on transforming empowerment into tangible opportunities for building female Scout leaders in the field. We have worked to establish women’s Scout teams in universities, open pathways for participation in national and international camps, and develop leadership and teamwork skills.

In every event, those taking part showcase the modern Saudi woman: empowered, proactive and responsible.

Princess Sama bint Faisal bin Abdullah

The committee’s vision is to make Scouting a genuine path to leadership, through specialized programs, global representation opportunities and community-driven initiatives that promote inclusion and equality. In every event, those taking part showcase the modern Saudi woman: empowered, proactive and responsible.
Today, we see the results of that commitment: young women leading teams, representing the Kingdom abroad and creating real impacts in their communities.
What we witness is only one milestone in a longer journey toward greater empowerment, broader inclusion and deeper impact. Saudi Scouting has moved far beyond its traditional role to become a strategic platform for shaping the leaders of tomorrow, both men and women.
We firmly believe that continued support for the empowerment of young women in Scouting will help cultivate a generation capable of representing ֱ at its best, while achieving their aspirations at home and abroad. In this defining national moment, where the roots of heritage meet the vision of the future, our hopes rest on the youth of our nation, both young men and women, to stand as a cornerstone in building our country’s future.

Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud Al-Saud is Secretary-General of Alwaleed Philanthropies. She is also the CEO of Rotana. X: @lamia1507

Princess Sama bint Faisal bin Abdullah is Chair of the Girl Scouts Committee at the ֱn Scouts Association.