Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Mechanics and car workshops say they welcome women drivers who will be behind the wheels for the first time in the Kingdom’s history in June, Al-Riyadh reported. Mechanic Abdulaziz Faisal, Syrian, said women have been frequenting car workshops even before the decision to allow them to drive. “Women used to come with their drivers to fix their cars. We treat them with respect and appreciation. They are not strangers to us. They are our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. We won’t cause them any discomfort or harm,” said Faisal. He added having a section at the workshop that is only for women is a costly affair. No one will assault them and abuse them. They will be given the best services we have to offer. Suhaib, his coworker, said he invites women to visit our workshop to see the services he has. “We have mechanics specialized in dealing with American, German and Japanese cars,” said Suhaib. Mechanic Abdulaziz Al-Thuraya, Yemeni, said dealing with women customers is not new for him. “Women used to come to us with their drivers to fix their cars. We would treat them with respect and even offer home services. If they need us to fix their car at a certain place, all they have to do is call us and we would send a mechanic,” said Al-Thuraya. Abu Saleh, a Yemeni, said women are welcome to come to his workshop but he will not be able to provide them with special space. “Most workshops are small in size. It would be hard to expand our workshops to give women a section just for them. We are very respectful in dealing with women customers but dealing with women customers is different than male customers. Women don’t have much experience with cars and we would waste time explaining to them the problem with their cars,” said Abu Saleh.