21st Century: Saudi Arabia To Allow Women Drive

Saudi Arabia is set to end restrictions on women to drive, the Saudi Foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

A royal decree has been issued and a committee been formed to implement the change that will take effect in June of next year.

The move is seen as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to modernise the society and overhaul the economy. The 32-year-old prince is a powerful figure in the family and expected by many to become the King in near future.

The change will pave way for women of the country to work and contribute to the economy.

"The royal decree will implement the provisions of traffic regulations, including the issuance of driving licences for men and women alike," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

Activist Aziza al-Yousef called it "a development that indicates a change in women's rights", adding: "We congratulate the nation and its women and we hope that other pending issues get resolved too."