Saudi woman architect exhibits her talent at Riyadh Metro project

Rima Bint Sultan is the only Saudi woman architect working for the multibillion Riyadh Metro.

“I work for long hours, whether in the office or in field, most often under the scorching sun or in the middle of rising dust,” Sultan said while explaining the nature of her work.

Sultan proved her extraordinary skills at the site of the SR22.5 billion Riyadh Metro project, Al-Hayat Arabic daily reported.

The construction of the 176-kilometer metro, which will give rail connectivity throughout the capital city, started in 2013 and is expected to complete by 2018.

Sultan works alongside two Spanish female engineers who have long years of experience in the field and a Saudi female mechanical engineer.

As a child, Sultan had always been fond of drawing and her passion for art ultimately led her to choose architecture as her profession.

“I used to draw pictures on white paper. This passion for drawing helped me concentrate on this art and subsequently study architecture at Riyadh’s Prince Sultan University. After my graduation, I joined a company working on Riyadh Metro as a trainee and later became a full time employee. This provided me a golden opportunity to build contacts with experienced engineers and architects who are among the world's best,” the 25-year-old architect said.

Her responsibilities at work include drawing architectural designs, worksite visits, supervision of heavy drilling machinery and attending meetings.