Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, president of the Board of Grievances, praised the royal decree implementing traffic regulations, including the issuance of driving licenses for both men and women.
Al-Yousef said that its timing could not be better to resolve many social issues in the nation’s interest in accordance with the religion and regulations by which the Saudi leadership abides and respects in all its decisions.
He pointed out that this decision stresses King Salman and his crown prince are concerned with developing society on all levels and fulfilling its needs that are permanently changing based on natural social evolution.
The Kingdom is steadily heading toward achievement of Vision 2030 which aims to protect citizens’ interests and is also trying to improve the quality of life, he said.
Al-Yousef clarified that the position of the majority of the Senior Scholars Council was clear and that they could not find any reason to keep the ban, as long as laws and regulations are applied. This decision comes from Islamic tenets that promote women’s rights and reinforce their role in society, he added.
“The Kingdom, thanks to the leadership of King Salman, occupies an important place on the regional, international and Islamic levels. The Kingdom, under King Salman’s reign, is a unique secure, safe, prosperous place respecting religion and unifying citizens,” said Al-Yousef at the end of his statement.
Meanwhile, a cross section of Saudi women and expat women, as well as community leaders are united in saying that the decree allowing women to drive will generally have a positive impact.
Khlood Aldukheil, managing director at Aldukheil Financial Group, said that “it is a critical factor that will have a positive impact on society as a whole and on the economy in particular.”
She added that “the impact is more far reaching than what anyone can imagine. I am extremely happy and full of hope for the future.”
Faizal Alkhayyal, retired educator, said, “When I started college in America 50 years ago, I wished that my would-be daughters could drive. I have five girls and the youngest is 24. I am happy for them.”
She added, however, that “she wished the royal order were issued much earlier. It has taken a bit longer to come, but that does not matter.”
May Al-Hoshan, human resources head at Alawwal Bank, said: “It’s a historical decision that creates a new landscape for female participation in nation building.
Woman expats also expressed positive reactions. Mary Jane Tupaz, corporate director of nursing at Ram Clinic, expressed her happiness for Saudi women.
“Congratulations to all Saudi women. They can soon participate in nation building. They could drive themselves to work created by women,” Tupaz told Arab News.
She added that Saudi women will eventually help make the unemployment rate drop and contribute to the Vision 2030 program of the government.
Reham Adel, Egyptian personal assistant to the Maldives ambassador, also expressed happiness for Saudi women, saying that they have been looking forward to the day when they could drive.
“The royal decree, which enables them to drive, drew enthusiastic feedback from Saudi women. It’s a dream come true for them,” she said.
Expat community leaders also expressed optimism regarding the new privilege for women in the Kingdom to be able to drive soon.
Javed Iqbal, a Pakistani media practitioner in the Saudi capital, said, “It’s a commendable and excellent move. Women make up almost half of the population of the Kingdom and they’ll be able to pitch in toward Vision 2030 realization.”
Christopher Agustin, community leader in Buraidah, Qassim, added: “The move to allow women to drive is excellent. It will help in the further development of the Kingdom. I will keep my fingers crossed regarding this.”