In recent months, Saudi women have been breaking into male-dominated professions one after the other. One specific field dear to most men's hearts is sports, and yes, women infiltrated this world and won't be leaving anytime soon.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Saudi TV presenter Heela Al Farraj will become the kingdom's first-ever female sports commentator. The media personality is set to sportscast a game that will be held as part of Saudi Arabia's first Gulf Women's Football Tournament.
The competition has been years in the making and its events take off on Friday. It comes at a time when women sports are advancing in the kingdom.
Though similar, smaller scale events, have taken place in the country, this is the first time the kingdom officially hosts a professional football tournament for women.
Speaking to Rotana Khalijiya's Ya Hala TV program, Al Farraj said she was overjoyed with the opportunity to become the first-ever female sports commentator in the kingdom.
"I am thrilled and all the comments I am reading are positive, except a few. My people, country and leaders are supporting women empowerment and I thank them for that," she said.
She also added that her experience in broadcasting is what led her to be considered for such a role.
News of Al Farraj's historic appointment as a sportscaster went viral on Saudi Twitter soon after it started making the rounds on the platform.
Some sexist tweeps criticized the move, stating "a woman can't succeed in such a field." However, the majority of Saudis celebrated the news and thought it was an excellent step forward.
Sexists mocked the decision
"Heela Al Farraj if a player gets injured."
But, the majority sent out their CONGRATS!
"I am so excited and looking forward to this experience. Mabrook, alef mabrook."
People are definitely proud
"So happy for your achievement, alef mabrook"
The past few years have been triumphant for Saudi women in sports
In recent years, things have been looking up for Saudi female athletes, who are now allowed to take part in sports previously deemed off-limits for them.
Earlier this year, Taif University became the first-ever Saudi college to offer football, basketball, and karate courses for its female students.
In 2018, the kingdom hosted its first-ever cycling race for females and a women-only run. Both events turned out to be a huge success. Months prior to that, the country held its first-ever women's basketball tournament.
Saudi female athletes have also been making international headlines for their achievements at global scale events, including the Rio 2016 Olympics. Four female athletes attended the international games, following in the footsteps of two bold Saudi women who participated in the London 2012 games.