Scouting Empowering Saudi Women on the Global Stage

Scouting has always been more than a recreational youth activity. It is a universal language that transcends borders, connecting young people from different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. Through Scouting, youth acquire essential values such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and belonging.

In Saudi Arabia, Scouting has evolved into a strategic platform for empowerment, aligning closely with Vision 2030, which places young people—both men and women—at the heart of the Kingdom’s national transformation. For young Saudi women, Scouting has opened doors that were previously unimaginable, enabling them to not only take part but also to lead on national and global stages.

HRH Princess Lamia’s Belief in Women’s Potential

Driven by a strong belief in the leadership potential of Saudi women, Alwaleed Philanthropies—under the leadership of Princess Lamia bint Majed Al-Saud—launched a pioneering initiative in collaboration with the World Scout Foundation.

This initiative has been a turning point for Scouting in Saudi Arabia. It has established the first-ever women’s Scout units across several leading institutions, including Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Khalid University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

The aim was never symbolic participation, but rather genuine empowerment—empowerment that provides opportunities, builds skills, and enables women to become leaders within their communities and beyond.

"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

From Local Units to Global Representation

Since its Start, the initiative has supported more than 400 Saudi Rovers, providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in international events, and represent Saudi Arabia on global platforms.

• In 2019, young Saudi women participated for the first time at the World Scout Jamboree in the United States. This historic moment marked the beginning of a new era for Saudi women in Scouting.
• The journey continued in 2023 with active participation in the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, further cementing the Kingdom’s presence.
• In 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrates the participation of a female delegation at the World Scout Moot in Portugal, a milestone that reflects years of dedication and progress.

Through these events, Saudi women are no longer just participants; they are leaders, decision-makers, and role models for the next generation.

"In every event, those taking part showcase the modern Saudi woman: empowered, proactive and responsible." Princess Sama bint Faisal bin Abdullah

Leadership in Action

Princess Lamia emphasizes that the objective is not limited to visibility or representation. The initiative seeks to prepare women to take on leadership roles—whether leading Scout teams on campus, representing Saudi Arabia internationally, or building community initiatives at home. This holistic approach ensures that empowerment translates into tangible outcomes:

• Women leading campus-based Scout teams.
• Saudi Rovers gaining international recognition.
• Stronger national presence at global Scouting events.

Each achievement underscores the transformation of Scouting into a real pathway to leadership.

JOTA-JOTI: Scouting in the Digital Age

Innovation has also extended to the digital world. In collaboration with Princess Nourah University, Alwaleed Philanthropies launched the first Saudi edition of JOTA-JOTI—a global virtual Scouting program that connects millions of Scouts through online platforms.

This initiative has opened new horizons for young Saudi women, allowing them to engage globally without physical barriers, share experiences, and explore digital skills that complement their Scouting journey. It is an example of how empowerment can adapt to the demands of a rapidly digitalizing world.

Chair of the Girl Scouts Committee

While Princess Lamia’s leadership has driven the global and institutional aspects, Princess Sama bint Faisal bin Abdullah has played a pivotal role on the ground as Chair of the Girl Scouts Committee at the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association. Her mission is to transform empowerment into real opportunities. This includes:

• Establishing women’s Scout teams in universities.
• Opening pathways for female participation in national and international camps.
• Developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience skills.

As Princess Sama notes, “In every event, those taking part showcase the modern Saudi woman: empowered, proactive, and responsible.”

Inclusion, Equality, and Global Representation

The committee’s vision is clear: Scouting must be more than an extracurricular activity—it should be a genuine path to leadership and empowerment. Through specialized programs, international representation, and community initiatives, the Girl Scouts Committee aims to promote inclusion, equality, and a culture of responsibility. Today, the results are evident:

• Women are leading Scout teams in universities.
• Female delegations are representing Saudi Arabia abroad.
• Scouts are driving positive change in their communities.

This progress is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s wider societal transformation and its commitment to creating space for women in every field.

Heritage Meets Future Vision

Saudi Scouting has moved far beyond its traditional role. Once seen primarily as a youth recreational activity, it is now a strategic platform for shaping tomorrow’s leaders—both male and female.

In the words of Princess Lamia: “We firmly believe that continued support for the empowerment of young women in Scouting will help cultivate a generation capable of representing Saudi Arabia at its best, while achieving their aspirations nationally and abroad.”

This statement reflects a broader truth: Scouting is not just about uniforms, camps, and badges. It is about building character, responsibility, and global citizenship. For Saudi women, it has become a pathway to leadership on the world stage.

The story of Saudi women in Scouting is one of transformation, resilience, and vision. From establishing the first women’s units at universities to representing the Kingdom at global Jamborees, Saudi women have proven that they are ready to lead, inspire, and innovate.

Yet, as both Princess Lamia and Princess Sama emphasize, this is only one milestone in a longer journey—a journey toward greater empowerment, broader inclusion, and deeper societal impact.

In this defining national moment, where the roots of heritage meet the vision of the future, Scouting stands as a beacon of opportunity. With continued support, Saudi women in Scouting will not only represent their country abroad but will also shape the future of leadership, equality, and empowerment on the national front.