By The Arabian Leaders
Published on: 17-06-2025
Weam Al Dakheel: Pioneering Saudi Arabia’s Media Landscape
Weam Al Dakheel stands as a trailblazer in Saudi Arabian media, making history as the first woman to anchor the main evening news on the Kingdom’s state-run television. Her journey mirrors the sweeping social changes catalyzed by Vision 2030, especially in enhancing women’s roles across sectors.
Early Life and Education
Born in Morocco and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al Dakheel grew up in a multicultural environment. She earned her BA in Journalism from the Lebanese American University in 2011 and later pursued a diploma in Gender and Development in 2017. Her professional training includes certifications from Al Jazeera Media Training Center and Focus Academy, underscoring her commitment to excellence.
Career Milestones and Historic Broadcast
Al Dakheel began her career with Dar Al-Hayat and became the first Saudi female reporter at CNBC Arabia in 2012. Her pivotal moment came on September 20, 2018, when she co-anchored the 9:30 PM news on Saudi TV Channel 1 with Omar Al Nashwan—becoming the first Saudi woman to deliver the main nightly news on state television.
This wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a national symbol. Her broadcast reflected Saudi Arabia’s evolving gender roles and sparked widespread support across social media.
Global Experience, Local Impact
With international training and multilingual fluency (Arabic, English, French), Weam Al Dakheel is both globally competent and culturally rooted. She represents the modern Saudi woman—confident, articulate, and impactful—while staying deeply connected to her nation’s heritage.
Operational Leadership Behind the Scenes
In 2018, Al Dakheel became Operations Manager for the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, overseeing content, strategy, and editorial operations. Her leadership goes beyond visibility; she’s actively involved in improving broadcast quality, diversifying content, and training media talent.
Symbolism of the Evening News Slot
Anchoring the prime-time 9:30 PM news was a deliberate and strategic move. Traditionally reserved for male anchors, this time slot made her presence highly visible and impactful, normalizing female representation in mainstream national media.
Role Model for Future Generations
Weam Al Dakheel is now an inspiration for young Saudi women, proving that a career in journalism is not only possible but respected and attainable. She participates in media forums, student mentorship, and public speaking—helping shape the next generation of media professionals.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change
Weam Al Dakheel is not just a news anchor—she is a symbol of progress. Her career reflects a broader national transformation in which women’s voices are no longer marginal—they’re central to the Kingdom’s identity and narrative. Al Dakheel’s legacy will resonate not just within studios, but across homes, campuses, and boardrooms throughout Saudi Arabia and beyond.
