A Saudi Arabian journalist has become the first woman to anchor the main news bulletin on the country's main national television station.
Weam Al Dakheel made the history co-presenting Al Saudiya's main evening news bulletin on Thursday along with a male colleague.
Saudis praised Weam Al Dakheel on social media and celebrated her achievement and the new milestone for Saudi women, reports Arab News.
They pointed out that her appearance marked a milestone in the deeply conservative kingdom.
Writer Rayan Al-Jidani said: “Her performance was distinctive in terms of concentration, presence and clear articulation. I wish her more success in her career in media with the national channel @saudiatv.”
Television broadcaster Wael Rafeeq said: “Today, we are very pleased with this great development and quantum leap that the national television is undergoing.”
“It is beautiful to see our national channel in this honorable image. I hope this level of dedication at work is maintained, and developments continue being executed,” Twitter user @abukhaled2030 said.
@aliya_m1khan tweeted: “She is a champion. Such a strong and confident character, a great example.”
Al-Dakheel previously worked for CNBC Arabia and was an intern at Dar Al Hayat Newspaper.
Women have presented the news on other Saudi channels like Al-Ekhbariya for several years.
Their increasing profile in Saudi Arabia’s media comes amid the sweeping social reforms brought in by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including the lifting of the ban on women drivers.
