The General Authority for Sports in Saudi Arabia has announced that women will be allowed to enter sport venues for the first time starting in January 2018.

Assistant of Media and PR President at the authority, Raja Allah Al-Salami, said that in line with the directions of the leadership, preparations would start in three stadiums - King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Fahd in Dammam, so they can be ready to accommodate families from early 2018.

Sources say that facilities are expected to include family areas, restaurants and cafes with video monitors.