Two Saudi scientists among six Arab researchers honored by L’Oréal-UNESCO program

Arab News · Arab News · 2026-10-22 12:04 UTC

Two Saudi scientists among six Arab researchers honored by L’Oréal-UNESCO program

Six pioneering Arab female researchers from the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, have been recognized at the 13th edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Program. Their work addresses pressing regional and global priorities, from infectious diseases and personalized medicine to water security, advanced materials and sustainable technologies.

Since its regional launch in 2014, the program has supported 69 Arab women researchers with more than SR4 million ($1.06 million) in endowments, helping them advance scientific careers and strengthening women’s contribution to the region’s research and innovation ecosystem. Two Saudi-based researchers are among this year’s honorees, bringing the number of women awarded from Saudi Arabia through the program to 19.

Women account for 41 percent of researchers in the Arab states, according to UNESCO data, placing the region above the global average for women’s participation in research. Sustaining this momentum requires continued investment in the pathways that enable women to progress through every stage of a scientific career and move into positions of scientific leadership.

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