Riyadh: In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has named Dr. Munira bint Badr Al-Mahashir as Director General of Education for its Eastern Province, making her the first woman ever to hold that senior regional role, officials confirmed Friday.
Dr. Munira, known for her work in e-learning and artificial intelligence, previously held the position of Dean of E-Learning and Distance Learning at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. Her background aligns with the government’s vision to modernize education through technology and digital tools.
The appointment was issued through a decision by the Education Ministry and signals both a push for modernization and an opening for greater female leadership in the public sector. Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan made the announcement.
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Observers say the move carries symbolic and practical weight: it breaks a gender barrier in regional administration and places someone skilled in digital pedagogy in a role that could shape how schools adopt technology.
Dr. Munira bint Badr Al-Mahashir is expected to focus early on expanding e-learning platforms, training teachers in digital pedagogy, and promoting inclusion in rural and underserved areas.
She has expressed readiness to engage stakeholders, saying she will “listen to principals, teachers and local education partners to set priorities.”
This appointment comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and reform public services, including education.
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