Local media reports that for the first time women in Saudi Arabia are being trained to become fisherwomen, a traditionally male-dominated profession. A first batch of 60 women is being trained under the programme, according to media reports.

The conservative Kingdom had restricted women's access to the fishing industry, but since 2019, reforms have allowed women to work in previously male-dominated professions.

A total of 60 women will be trained to fish safely and make money from their catch. They will also be trained on how to sell and market their products.

The National Fisheries Development Programme of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture provides the training. Mousa Al Kanani, deputy CEO of the programme, said the initiative aims to train Saudi young men and women to be able to work in the fishing industry.

As part of Vision 2030 to diversify the Saudi economy, the programme aims to achieve sustainable development and increase the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to the Kingdom's GDP.