Two Saudis become kingdom’s first certified female firefighters

Two Saudi engineering graduates have become the kingdom’s first female firefighters after completing the required certifications.

Abeer O. Aljabr, an engineering graduate from the University of Sharjah, and Jazyah E. Aldossary, a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Missouri in the US, have joined Saudi Aramco’s Fire Protection department’s engineering and training services division, local daily Saudi Gazette reported.

The women joined the programme after they met the National Fire Protection Association’s professional qualifications standards.

Aldossary claimed she was inspired by her father, a fire chief in the 1990s.

“He was passionate about his job, and that passion was instilled in me from an early age,” Saudi Gazette quoted her as stating.

“Joining FrPD is a dream come true. My dad was very proud as the second generation of his family is continuing his legacy,” she said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform strategy is looking to increase the participation of women in the workforce and provide them with greater opportunities.

A decades long ban on female driving was lifted on June 24, while Saudi has also awarded licences to its first female pilots this year.

Read: Saudi women expect new job opportunities after lifting of driving ban

“These young engineers, including our female colleagues, are challenging themselves to be the very best,” Saudi Gazette quoted Ghassan G. Abulfaraj, the Fire Protection department’s manager as saying.

“They are awakening the entire fire service community — challenging the status quo and raising the bar for all of us.”

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