JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA 27 September 2017: Saudi Arabia has allowed its women to drive cars, according to a statement by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
It said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued a Supreme Order yesterday, addressed to the Minister of the Interior, which reads as follows:
“We refer to the negative consequences of not allowing women to drive vehicles and the positive aspects of allowing it to do so, taking into consideration the application of the necessary legal controls and adherence to them.
We adopt the application of the provisions of the Traffic Law and its Executive Regulations – including the issuance of driving licenses – to both males and females, and to form a high-level committee of ministries of (internal affairs, finance, labor and social development) to study the necessary arrangements for enforcement; the implementation shall be – God willing – as of 10/10/1439 AH, in accordance with the approved Sharia and regulations and completion of what is required by it.”
Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir Region, described the decision as a historic one which will enable Saudi women to drive cars according to prescribed legal and regulatory rules.
Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awad bin Saleh Al Awad said that the decision to allow women to drive cars is a historic decision affirms the continuation of reform and development process in the kingdom in which women constitute a major part.
Shura Council member Noura Al Shaaban affirmed that the decision to allow women to drive cars is a landmark in the history of Saudi women and keeps pace with the current stage.
Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, affirmed that the decision to allow women’s driving is culmination of women’s rights and their contribution to development.