Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Royal decree allowing women to drive is a step forward to empower women, according to many citizens.

Difficulty in transportation has been the main obstacle faced by working women.

A large majority of households depend on foreign drivers or taxi services. The Kingdom has over 1,376,000 foreign drivers, according to a report this year by the General Authority for Statistics.

Many Saudis felt optimistic upon receiving the news and expressed joy on social media networks.

For Sara Almaeena, who works in Jeddah, the decree is a historic step that “brings more hope and recognition for women in Saudi Arabia.”

She added, “I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime. It surely is a dream come true for Saudi women.”

Marah Al-Najjar, a law student, said, “It’s such a good feeling I can’t describe. I think the impact this decree is going to have for everyone is so great.”

She added: “The decree shows that change happens at the appropriate time and on a global level. The Saudi leadership has shown its ability to weigh decisions with wisdom. There won’t be international pressure to raise the issue of women’s driving as a human rights issue anymore.”

The decree is a step toward realizing the Vision 2030 that promotes equality and justice, according to Dr. Shadi Khawandanah, who heads the corporate responsibility committee and serves as board member at the International Chamber of Commerce.

“It eases lives of both men and women. It’s time Saudi citizens show to the world that they can advance while maintaining their values and religion,” he said.

Saudi women are integral parts of public life, he added, as they already work in various sectors in medicine, law, education, engineering, among others. They are members of the Shoura Council, chambers of commerce, and municipalities.

The number of female Saudis working has increased by 130 percent in recent years, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development reported last spring.

Norah Ababatain, a Saudi student who studies abroad and drives, says she looks forward to an easier life when returning to her hometown, Riyadh.

“I’m so excited about it. It shows that we’re moving a step closer in the right direction.”