First Saudi woman appointed as traffic collision inspector with Najm

The new employee investigated three crashes on her first day. (Supplied)
Updated 03 September 2019
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First Saudi woman appointed as traffic collision inspector with Najm

  • New recruit attended three incidents on her first shift
  • Najm CEO says the organization is committed to the empowerment of women

RIYADH: The first female traffic collision inspector started in her new job at Najm for Insurance Services recently, working within an extensive team of inspectors at Najm in what extends the role of women beyond female universities.

Starting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, the inspector was assigned to traffic collisions occurring on Riyadh’s major roads, including Khalid bin Al Waleed Road and other areas surrounding King Khalid International Airport.

On her first day she successfully monitored three accidents during her first day on the job. 

This step confirms Najm’s commitment towards the empowerment of women and gives them opportunities to serve within its workforce in roles related to managing and monitoring traffic accidents said the organization’s CEO Mohammad Al-Suliman.

Suliman said the appointment also highlighted the confidence Najm has in its female employees who he described as highly qualified and skilled.

He said Najm remained dedicated to the empowerment of women in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which states the major role women play in the Kingdom’s economic and social advancement.

Najm for Insurance Services has previously enabled women to work as accident inspectors, placing a set of requirements that include language proficiency, clear criminal records, and flexibility to work during day or night shifts.

In 2018, Najm completed an intensive training program for its first batch of female inspectors, who will take on roles including inspecting traffic collisions, writing reports, and verifying documents of parties involved.


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2025
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.