Saudi women desire to shape Kingdom’s future

More than 200 Saudi female volunteers are being trained to participate in the Jazan Economic Forum taking place under the patronage of Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz on Feb. 25-26. The forum, which is expected to have over 500 experts, will discuss economic growth, the investment opportunities and development potential of Jazan City. It will also instil the spirit of voluntary work in a professional setting. Fatima Sayeed, who will participate in the forum as a volunteer, told Arab News it was her dream to see Jazan as one of the advanced cities in the world, especially in the field of architecture. “It’s my dream that we will have modern buildings with a touch of tradition and history in the city, and I hope that we as Saudi women can be a part of the economic development of the Kingdom,” she said. “After I graduate as an architectural engineer, I wish to participate in shaping the future of Jazan,” she said. Another volunteer, Huda Najeeb, who is studying the art of translation, said she wants Jazan to be among the largest Saudi cities in terms of population and opportunities. Her ambition, she said, is to open a women’s section where they can work safely and proudly for the benefit and economic growth of the country in government agencies and the private sector. Najeeb hoped Jazan would benefit from the experiences of other countries that preceded the Kingdom in the field of urban development, such as Japan and Malaysia. Manal Alkhozai, secretary, public relations at Jazan University, said Jazan will change completely and turn into an economic city by increasing investment opportunities and by building it as economic city. She said the Economic Forum for Jazan will provide a valuable opportunity to encourage investors to learn about the potential of the region. Most of the people are expecting that Jazan will become an exporting region for a number of large products such as petroleum, iron and gas and other industries, as well as become a popular destination for tourists from within and outside the Kingdom, she noted. -Arabnews