Saudi Arabia has appointed Wafa bint Abdullah Al-Marzouqi as its consul general in Houston, Texas, making her the first Saudi woman to hold the position of consul general.
Al-Marzouqi formally took the oath of office before Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Riyadh. Her appointment marks a significant development in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic service and the growing representation of women in senior diplomatic roles.
Wafa Al-Marzouqi Takes Up Historic Diplomatic Role
Al-Marzouqi will lead Saudi Arabia’s consular mission in Houston, one of the major US cities with a significant Saudi community and important economic links with the Kingdom.
As consul general, she will oversee the consulate’s work and provide consular services to Saudi citizens in its area of responsibility. She will also represent Saudi Arabia in dealings with local authorities and institutions.
Her appointment gives a Saudi woman a senior leadership role within the Kingdom’s consular representation in the United States.
Swearing-In Ceremony Held in Riyadh
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh under the supervision of Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Al-Marzouqi took the oath alongside Dr. Sultan bin Farraj Al-Nafel, who was appointed Saudi consul general in Erbil, Iraq.
Several Saudi Foreign Ministry officials attended the ceremony.
The oath requires diplomats to remain loyal to their religion, King and country, protect state secrets and safeguard Saudi interests and regulations. It also commits them to carrying out their duties with honesty, integrity and dedication.
A Milestone for Saudi Women in Diplomacy
Al-Marzouqi’s appointment represents a new milestone for Saudi women working in foreign affairs.
Saudi women have taken on an expanding range of roles across government and international institutions in recent years. The appointment of a woman to lead a Saudi consulate adds another significant step to that progression.
Her new role also places her at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s consular representation in a major American city.
Al-Marzouqi Previously Promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary
Al-Marzouqi’s appointment follows her advancement within the Saudi diplomatic service.
In May 2025, Saudi authorities approved her promotion to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her promotion placed her among senior Saudi diplomats before she assumed the consul general position in Houston.
The progression highlights her advancement through the Kingdom’s diplomatic ranks and provides important context for her historic appointment.
Why the Houston Appointment Matters
The consul general manages a consulate and oversees services for citizens within its designated jurisdiction. The position also involves engagement with local authorities and institutions.
Houston is an important US city for Saudi Arabia because of its large international business community and strong economic ties with the Kingdom.
Al-Marzouqi’s appointment therefore carries significance beyond its historic status. It places a senior Saudi female diplomat in a position with direct responsibility for consular affairs and Saudi representation in the region.
A New Chapter for Saudi Diplomacy
Wafa Al-Marzouqi’s appointment adds another chapter to the changing role of women in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic service.
By becoming the Kingdom’s first female consul general, she has reached a senior position in Saudi Arabia’s overseas representation. Her assignment in Houston is expected to further highlight the increasing participation of Saudi women in international affairs.
The appointment also reflects the continued emergence of Saudi women in senior public-sector and diplomatic positions as the Kingdom expands its international engagement.
