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.”


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Updated 21 min 29 sec ago
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Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Updated 13 November 2024
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Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Updated 13 November 2024
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Updated 13 November 2024
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.