Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Makkah and Madina, the birthplaces of Islam. — Photo courtesy Saudi Gazette
Inspired by her late father's career, Mona decided to join the military and the first group of Saudi women soldiers to work in Islam's holiest sites, where they are helping secure the Haj.
Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Makkah and Madina.
Dressed in a military khaki uniform, with a hip-length jacket, loose trousers and a black beret over a veil covering her hair, Mona spends her shifts roaming in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.