Saudi men ready to take the back seat (and gladly)

Royal decree lifting the driving ban announced by King Salman last September has been hailed. (Shutterstock)
Updated 24 June 2018
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Saudi men ready to take the back seat (and gladly)

  • Whether they believe it’s the right thing or are simply tired of doing errands, many men are equally excited about women driving
  • I feel this reform is more in-depth: It’s not just about driving, it’s more about liberty: a Saudi man

RIYADH: While the world watches women in Saudi Arabia gear up to take the wheel and make history on Sunday, many had thought that Saudi men opposed this new-found independence and would fight hard against it. The opposite proved true. 

Arab News spoke with many Saudi men, and most of them hailed the royal decree announced by King Salman last September. Remarkably, many of them are just as excited as women are about the historic date of June 24, 2018, when women will be allowed to drive freely in the Kingdom. 

“Women driving in Saudi Arabia is changing the narrative of our history,” said Hussein Abdurahman, a hotel employee. “It’s a new reform that could change many things. There might be a few hiccups in the beginning, as with any new transformation, but I have a good feeling about it.”

He elaborated: “I feel this reform is more in-depth: It’s not just about driving, it’s more about liberty. I was born in an era where women didn’t drive and have never witnessed a woman driving here before. It will be exciting to see that happen!”

Many conservative families are still hesitant about the decision. Abdul Kareem Youssef, a Saudi businessman, explained: “We have been waiting for a long time. We have been longing for this decision. When it comes to a micro-family level, I’m definitely on board. However, I come from a conservative family, and there’s a huge difference in thinking in our generations. They are not against women driving but against riding the wave in the beginning. They want to wait it out.” 

Currently, Youssef is teaching his wife to drive in their neighborhood, when the streets are empty, and discreetly, considerate of both their family’s feelings yet being part of the change that is happening in Saudi. “It has to be low profile, until our families approve,” he said. 

The new generation of Saudis are more open to the world and amassing rights that were not given in the past. “We are a generation of global citizens that carry our values,” Youssef said. “These values that we carry — being obedient, good and considerate as much as possible with our families — that’s of high level importance to us.” 

He expects conservative families to eventually accept women driving in Saudi Arabia, saying: “Transformations, in the beginning, are rejected then resisted and later on accepted. We are speaking on a worldwide level and not only inclusive to Saudi Arabia.”

In the past some women have driven in Saudi Arabia discreetly when necessary. Faris M.J. laughs while recalling the story of how one female family member took the lead when he had to return home and there was no one to take him. 

“A female family member just returned from the States, and she used to drive there. She was itching to take the steering wheel into her own hands but couldn’t. At that time, I was at their house and there was no one to return me back home. She took the initiative, pulled her hair in a bun, put on a hoodie and told me to jump in the car. Mind you, she drove in the middle of the night, in the midst of one the most crowded streets in Jeddah — Tahlia, with all confidence and exuberance. She drove like a pro. We got some looks, but she didn’t care. I still can’t believe that it happened!” 

Faris continued: “My only issue is that yes, they have licenses and yes, they have experience, but not driving in Saudi Arabia. We have different laws and different types of drivers, that’s what concerns me. It’s both exciting and scary! Exciting because they have attained their right, scary because of the number of new drivers that will hit the road.” 

Some families in Saudi Arabia can’t afford drivers and are exhausted from all the errands they have to run and the pick-ups they must do to meet their family’s needs. 

Khalid Turkestani, a government employee, explained: “It’s financially draining to have a driver. I can’t afford one. Both me and my wife work, and life is demanding with family and social obligations. It’s more practical for women to drive freely and independently. My only concerns are about the chaotic drivers that pose a danger and threat to not only male drivers, such as before, but female drivers now.” 

Nizar Aqeel, a legal researcher, recalled nostalgically how his mother foretold the future: “Long before when women were not allowed to drive, my mother would ask me to get her groceries. Reluctantly and grudgingly would I get her the things needed. And after much back and forth, me telling her to tell my other brothers to retrieve the items, she would look me straight in the eye and say, ‘You just wait and see, one day I will drive in Saudi Arabia! But until then you still have to get me my groceries … and without fuss.” 

Aqeel added: “This is a Saudi woman’s right and should’ve been implemented a long time ago. She has the right to be independent without relying on anyone, whether it be a driver or relative.”

Saleh Hamza, an independent artist, said it best: “We’ve been waiting for this for 80 years. Why ask a man what he thinks about what women should do? We have always been involved in everything regarding them. It’s their right and their time to shine. For once, it’s men’s turn to take a back seat and let women lead the way.”


Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense

Updated 8 sec ago
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Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense

  • First Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar hosted around 80 participants to discuss trade relations, cooperation in the energy sector, and regional conflicts in the Middle East
  • Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk said that the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC

RIYADH: Officials and nuclear experts discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and defense between South Korea and Saudi Arabia during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The first Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar hosted around 80 participants to discuss trade relations, cooperation in the energy sector, and regional conflicts in the Middle East.

South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, said the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC, specifically Gaza and the Red Sea, as well as a space to diversify energy cooperation in the nuclear and renewables sectors.

Kang Han-ok, vice president for SMART development at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, presented a joint research project currently underway between South Korea and Saudi Arabia on small modular reactors.

“SMRs are being highlighted as carbon-zero energy sources that complement the intermittent nature of renewable energy in the global power supply sector,” Kang said.

He noted how the SMART100 SMR, jointly designed by Saudi and South Korean entities, was approved by Seoul’s nuclear regulator in September.

The reactor was jointly developed by KAERI, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp.

Kang explained the reactor is now ready to be exported globally. “With its SDA acquaintance, SMART is now ready for global deployment in the demand of the power and thermal energy sectors,” he said.

Kang also spoke about ways to increase nuclear power plant cooperation between South Korea and GCC member states, citing the plan to establish a joint nuclear research and development center between the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project and KAERI.

The chairman of the Gulf Research Center, Abdulaziz Sager, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s ability to rely on South Korea as a strong ally and defense supplier encouraged a relationship of trust and long-term partnership in the Kingdom’s security planning.

The seminar comes almost one year after the signing of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the GCC, signed on Dec. 28, 2023.

At the time, South Korea committed to eliminate 89.9 percent of tariffs on all products while the GCC committed to eliminate 76.4 percent, facilitating increased trade between the two parties.

The Korea-GCC FTA was 20 years in the making. Discussions for the agreement began in 2008, but it is yet to be verified or ratified. Lee Kwon-hyung, senior research fellow from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, put forward recommendations on how to pave the way for the agreement and how to best utilize it once finalized, including establishing an artificial intelligence data center to transition towards a green energy economy relying on solar, wind, and nuclear power for electricity generation.

“The AI data center needs a lot of electricity, so an energy transition and a digital transition are very imperative, and with the AI Data Center we can make industrial restructuring in both countries,” Lee said.

Prof. In Nam-sik, director general for strategic region studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, evaluated the impact of geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and East Asia on Korean-GCC relations, as well as the transformation of the US-led liberal international order.

On the war on Gaza, In said: “The situation threatens to shift the two-state solution toward an apartheid scenario, further destabilizing the region.”

On Iran, In continued: “Iran’s expanding influence through its regional proxy contributes to ongoing instability, with concerns that the current dynamics may accelerate Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The transition in Iran’s leadership raises uncertainties, with hopes for a gradual regime change that might reduce Iran’s revolutionary stance.”

Commenting on US influence, In said: “As the US pivots its strategic focus to Asia, Gulf nations are adopting flexible diplomacy, leveraging both US and Chinese influence.”

In stated that the Middle Eastern and European fronts are already linked, and North Korean military support to Russia signals an increasing risk of interconnected conflicts across regions.

To combat these regional and international threats, In urged South Korea and the GCC to work together on security cooperation across information sharing and technology, joint maritime security exercises, and shared support for multilateral forums, in addition to continued political dialogue in the above mentioned areas.


Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

Updated 12 November 2024
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Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

  • Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss outcomes from recent high-level summits and meetings.

Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday and the crown prince’s engagements with leaders from various countries.

The cabinet praised the summit’s outcomes and welcomed its signing of the Tripartite Mechanism Document to Support Palestine, a joint initiative by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission.

The cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people as they face the severe humanitarian effects of the ongoing Israeli military action. It called on countries around the world to join an international coalition advocating for the two-state solution — a plan initiated this year by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the European Union and Norway.

During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on his recent discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump.

The minister of media announced that the cabinet expressed its appreciation for the Kingdom’s Arab Week at UNESCO initiative, hosted at UN headquarters in Paris, for enhancing cultural dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities.

On domestic matters, council members commended the reception of the Saudi medical team that accomplished the world’s first complete robotic heart transplant. 

It also celebrated the success of the Beban 24 Forum’s 10th edition in Riyadh, which produced agreements and initiatives exceeding SR35.4 billion ($9.42 billion) aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and enhancing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national gross domestic product.


Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Updated 27 min 24 sec ago
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Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

  • The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14

RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.

They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.

“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (Supplied)

Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in Saudi Arabia. “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.

Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.

“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”

HIGHLIGHT

Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.

Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.

The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy and open to the world.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)

“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.

Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.

With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.

The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.

 


Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

Updated 33 min 5 sec ago
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Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

  • Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report

RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 18th periodic meeting of the Speakers of the Shoura Councils, Houses of Representatives, and National Assemblies of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report.

The Kingdom’s delegation included Secretary-General of the Shoura Council Mohammed Dakhil Al-Mutiri and members of the Shoura Council Fadel bin Saad Al-Buainain and Dr. Arwa bint Obaid Al-Rashid, among others.

 

 


Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

Updated 12 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

  • Kingdom’s defense industry aims to forge global partnerships at Zhuhai event
  • Defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030

RIYADH: Military products and the achievements of both government bodies and national companies are highlighted at the Saudi pavilion at this year’s China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

Airshow China 2024, one of the world’s largest aviation expos, started in Zhuhai on Tuesday and will run until Nov. 17.

The Saudi pavilion features military products, particularly in aviation, and turns the spotlight on national companies that work in military industries. It also underscores efforts to boost national manufacturing capabilities and the aim of localizing over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.

Launching events at the pavilion was the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Al-Ohali, who was joined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and the Saudi ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi. Other officials, international investors and aviation and aerospace decision-makers were also present.

Al-Ohali said: “This strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations.

“Our participation also seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom’s message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector.”

The defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, with a $9 billion addition to non-oil revenues. This will generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.

The Saudi pavilion features government bodies such as the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, as well as public national companies such as the National Company for Mechanical Systems, Saudi Wakeb Company for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Milestone Aviation, and Homat Al-Watan Co.

The General Authority for Military Industries works closely with partners and government bodies to empower national and international companies in the military industry, enhance the defense sector’s potential, and create investment opportunities.

It also focuses on localizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies to support Saudi economic growth and strengthen defense and security independence.