Saudi Arabia appoints first woman envoy to US

Saudi Arabia has appointed Princess Reema Bint Bandar as its first female ambassador.

According to the royal decree, announced on Saturday, Princess Reema will take on as the kingdom's diplomatic representative to the US.

She will replace Prince Khalid bin Salman, who has been named deputy defence minister.

Princess Rima has been a leading advocate of female empowerment in the kingdom. During her previous stint at the kingdom's General Sports Authority, she campaigned to increase women's participation in sports.