Amal Yahya Almoalimi Paves the Way for Women in Saudi Diplomacy

Amal Yahya Almoalimi has expressed immense pride in her role as a trailblazer for women in Saudi Arabia. Serving as Riyadh’s ambassador in Canada for the past two years, she has made history by becoming the second woman ever to lead a diplomatic mission for the kingdom. In a recent interview at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Ottawa, Ms. Almoalimi highlighted the significance of her appointment, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with being one of the few female representatives in this elite sphere of Saudi diplomacy.

Sweden, Finland, the European Union, and Spain. Now at the age of 62, Ms. Almoalimi is settling into life in Canada, where her daughter studies at Carleton University, all while reflecting positively on her experiences in both Oslo and Ottawa, noting the reputation of Canadians as a welcoming and respectful society.

Born in Riyadh, Almoalimi’s academic background includes an undergraduate degree in English and a postgraduate degree in mass communications and media from the University of Denver, complemented by studies at the University of Oxford. Her previous roles have included teaching and serving as director-general at the Saudi Human Rights Commission. Amidst historically strained relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia following a diplomatic rift in 2018, her appointment is seen as a strategic move to mend ties, particularly following discussions between then-prime minister Justin Trudeau and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022.

Experts suggest that Saudi Arabia is sending Ms. Almoalimi to symbolize a shift in the country’s approach, depicting a progressive image while reestablishing connections with Canada. As Saudi Arabia stands as Canada’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, this relationship extends beyond mere commerce, encompassing numerous sectors from aircraft and pharmaceuticals to a budding partnership in energy.

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Almoalimi has been actively engaging with various stakeholders across Canada, fostering goodwill by visiting cities across the country and discussing potential cooperation. Despite the ongoing concerns regarding human rights in Saudi Arabia, the ambassador has reported positive receptions during her travels, particularly concerning the resumption of bilateral relations.

Leaders like Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada emphasize the importance of engaging with Saudi Arabia, recognizing the potential for Canadian businesses amidst the kingdom's economic transformation. However, organizations like the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights advocate a cautious approach, insisting that any engagement should prioritize human rights, particularly in light of ongoing cases such as that of Raif Badawi, a Saudi blogger whose release and reunion with his family in Canada remains vital for many activists.