In a first, Saudi women soldiers stand guard in Islam's holiest site, Mecca

Female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina for the first time. Saudi Arabia has restricted the haj to its own citizens and residents for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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 annual pilgrimage. Credit: Reuters Photo

Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, the birth places of Islam. Credit: Reuters Photo

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 Mecca. Credit: Reuters Photo

Pictured: Saudi police female officers checking documents of pilgrims as they arrive in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Reuters Photo

A female Saudi soldier Abeer Abdullah al-Rashed, speaks during a news conference of the head of the Haj security forces ahead of the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Reuters Photo