JEDDAH: The Ministry of Justice has revealed that there are 639 women lawyers in the country, with only 85 having licenses to practice. This works out to 13.3 percent of law grads, according to a report in an online publication Friday.
The report said that several women lawyers met with the Saudi Bar Association in the Eastern Province recently to raise concerns about training and being able to practice in suitable working conditions.
Bikr Al-Haboub, secretary-general of the body, said local lawyers must be tested before they can get licenses to practice. Several lawyers said that there must be regulations drafted to explain their rights and duties.
Muneera Al-Mansour, a woman lawyer, said many graduates are not provided training by law firms. Some firms even ask them to pay for training, she was quoted as saying.
According to a ministry report, there were 67 women out of 3,400 lawyers in the country at the end of 2015. This has now increased to 85 since the beginning of the year, the report said.
Recently, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a royal decree appointing 43 judges. The ministry had also created 1,145 judicial posts to support the courts with qualified staff.
The ministry also inked a contract worth SR870.8 million last year with a local company for the construction of 33 courts and notary offices in Riyadh. The ministry has urged all legal practitioners to abide by the country’s laws.
Only 13% of 639 female lawyers are licensed
Only 13% of 639 female lawyers are licensed
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
