On September 26, 2017, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree granting women the right to drive, effective June 24, 2018. This decision was a significant social transformation, aligning with the country's Vision 2030. The decree allowed women to obtain driving licenses and drive vehicles, equalizing their rights with men. A transitional period was set to prepare the necessary infrastructure and logistics.
For decades, the issue of women driving in Saudi Arabia was contentious and sparked intense debate among social groups. Despite individual initiatives and appeals in the 1990s and beyond, the matter remained unresolved until the comprehensive modernization efforts led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The royal decree emphasized adherence to approved legal and regulatory controls, supported by a majority of the Council of Senior Scholars.
The Council of Senior Scholars issued a fatwa stating that the original ruling and permission were the basis for women driving, and previous reservations were related to concerns that had been addressed by modern devices and organizations. This decision reflected a significant shift in social norms and paved the way for women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia.
The impact of the decision extended beyond social aspects, influencing economic indicators and the job market. Allowing women to drive reduced reliance on foreign drivers, saving millions of riyals annually. The decision also facilitated women's access to workplaces, increasing Saudi women's participation in the workforce to record levels, surpassing initial Vision 2030 targets.
The decision led to a surge in the automotive and services sectors, with car sales, insurance companies, and training centers experiencing significant growth. Hundreds of thousands of new female drivers took to the roads, contributing to economic activity and social change.
On June 24, 2018, women across Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, began driving legally for the first time. The scenes were broadcast globally, receiving international and regional acclaim for empowering women and marking a new era of social progress.
The decision to grant women driving rights was a milestone in Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance women's roles in society and the economy. The impact of this decision continues to be felt, with ongoing efforts to promote women's empowerment and participation in various sectors.
Key points
- The decision allowed women to obtain driving licenses and drive vehicles, equalizing their rights with men.
- The decree led to a significant increase in Saudi women's participation in the workforce.
- The decision had a positive impact on the automotive and services sectors, contributing to economic growth.
