Meet Bashaer: A Saudi Pioneer Beneath the Waves

When I first came across Bashaer’s LinkedIn profile, I paused. A Saudi woman working as a diving instructor and marine conservationist? For someone from my generation, it was almost unimaginable. So much has changed in Saudi Arabia in such a short time—but Bashaer’s story stood out.

In her exclusive interview with SaudiTimes, I didn’t just hear her voice—I felt her presence. Calm and confident, she spoke with the kind of quiet conviction that often goes unnoticed but drives real change. Her strength and enthusiasm, like the waves she works among, moved with rhythm and purpose—steady, persistent, and full of life.

Bashaer didn’t just choose an uncommon profession; she made it her mission to protect and restore the Red Sea—Jeddah’s most precious natural wonder. A certified scientific diver with experience in coral reef restoration across Indonesia, Thailand, the UAE, and most meaningfully, the Red Sea, she brings deep expertise to Saudi Arabia’s growing environmental movement. With hands-on knowledge of coral species, ocean health, and marine ecosystems, Bashaer is part of a new generation of Saudi women reshaping Saudi Arabia’s relationship with nature. Her work is more than ecological—it’s symbolic of a broader cultural shift.

Women like Bashaer aren’t just expanding the boundaries of possibility in Saudi Arabia—they’re reshaping them. I’m proud to share her story here on SaudiTimes, and even prouder to know that people like her—silent warriors in wetsuits—are driving some of the most meaningful transformations in Saudi society.

Q: What motivated you to pursue a career as a scuba diving instructor and ocean conservation advocate in Saudi Arabia, given how unconventional it is for a Saudi woman?
A: I’m driven by a strong passion and a deep curiosity to keep learning and growing. I also believe divers and instructors have a unique role in spreading awareness about marine conservation. We’re often the ones who help others truly see the value of what lies beneath the surface.

Q: Can you share a moment from your diving experiences that left a lasting impact on you—whether it was the beauty of marine life or a challenge that tested your resolve?
A: I remember one dive where the current suddenly picked up while we were surveying a reef. Visibility dropped, my team drifted slightly apart, and for a moment, I felt real fear. I had to calm my breath, trust my training, and refocus. Once I steadied myself and regrouped with the team, we continued the dive—but something in me had changed.

That experience taught me that diving isn’t just about witnessing beauty; it’s also about resilience, composure, and humility. The ocean doesn’t always welcome you gently—and that’s part of its truth. Since then, every time I descend, I carry with me not just curiosity, but a deep respect for the unpredictable nature of the sea and for my own ability to stay grounded within it.

Q: With ambitious coastal projects like NEOM on the horizon, how do you see marine conservation being balanced with economic growth? Are there any specific strategies in place that give you hope?
A: NEOM and similar projects offer a chance to prove that economic growth and marine conservation can go hand in hand. What gives me hope is seeing sustainability built into the vision from the start—through protected areas, smart regulation, and a growing awareness that preserving nature is key to long-term prosperity.

Q: What is the most surprising discovery you’ve made while exploring Saudi waters, and how did it change your perspective on marine conservation?
A: One of the most surprising discoveries has been how Saudi Arabia is approaching this balance with a unique and forward-thinking regulatory framework. I’ve been genuinely impressed—not just by the policies themselves, but by how well-informed local fishermen and boat captains are about conservation zones and sustainable practices. It reflects a deep-rooted understanding that protecting the sea is part of securing the future, and it’s inspiring to see that awareness echoed both in national vision and in everyday practice.

Q: How do you encourage your students and fellow divers to go beyond just exploring the underwater world and become advocates for its protection?
A: One of the most impactful approaches I use is framing the message around purpose. For example, I explain why coral matters to us as humans—not just as part of marine life. When people understand its value to our own survival and well-being, the message becomes more meaningful and lasting.

Q: What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing Saudi waters today, and how effective are current conservation efforts in addressing them?
A: Climate change is one of the most urgent threats, especially through rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching. Combined with coastal development and pollution, these challenges put immense pressure on marine ecosystems. Still, initiatives like marine protected areas and the Saudi Green Initiative represent strong progress toward building more resilient, sustainable seas.

Q: From your experience teaching conservation courses, have you noticed a shift in how younger Saudis view environmental protection? Is there a growing sense of responsibility among the new generation?
A: Definitely. Young Saudis today are showing a deeper awareness and commitment to conservation. They’re not just learning—they’re asking questions, taking initiative, and seeing environmental care as part of their identity and future.

Q: Looking ahead, what policies or initiatives would you like to see that could better integrate diving tourism with sustainable practices?
A: I believe diving tourism can be meaningfully integrated with coral restoration in a way that’s both engaging and educational. This approach not only promotes marine conservation but also supports the growth of sustainable tourism and the local economy, while reinforcing the vital efforts of organizations working to protect coral reefs in the Kingdom.

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