'Al Sayyada Noona': Saudi woman turns 20 years of fishing into empowerment mission

Dubai: For more than two decades, Saudi fisherwoman Anwar, widely known by her nickname "Al Sayyada Noona" (fisherwoman Noona) , has carved out a space for herself on the open sea, mastering the art of fishing and inspiring a new generation of women to follow in her wake.

In an interview with MBC, Anwar shared how her journey into the world of fishing began 20 years ago, deeply influenced by her late father. “I fell in love with the sea,” she said.

“Fishing became my passion because of him. We used to sit by the water together; there are so many memories tied to it. The first fish I ever caught was an Abu Noqta.”

Safety, she explained, is always her top priority. “Before heading out, I make sure I’ve prepared my gear and checked the wind speed and wave height. There are days the sea is safe, and others when it’s not. After that, I choose the right bait, each type of fish requires something different.”

Anwar has successfully caught a variety of species over the years, including Sharifi, Abu Noqta, Bayad Qaz, and Bayad Al Qurm. But for her, fishing is more than just a hobby, it's a livelihood and a mission.

“I have two goals,” she said. “One is to train and raise awareness among women about fishing. The second is that fishing is a source of income for me and my family.”

Looking to the future, Anwar hopes to expand her efforts. “My dream,” she concluded, “is to one day open an academy to teach fishing to women, children, and even families.”