Saudi women at the wheel: the first 24 hours

Shoura Council member Lina Almaeena getting ready to driver her car as Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving iib Saturday midnight. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Updated 24 June 2018
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Saudi women at the wheel: the first 24 hours

  • The General Security has already reported that it will be providing the required provisions for female drivers in Saudi Arabia.
  • Private insurance company Najm, in partnership with the General Department of Traffic, has hired 40 women and trained them to respond to road accidents involving female drivers.

JEDDAH:  Women around the Kingdom have turned the ignition in their cars for the first time on their home soil and hit the roads throughout the country. They have gone on social media to express their joy at this monumental occasion which has officially changed the course of their lives. 

Saudi Shoura Council member Lina Almaeena was among the very first women to drive in the Kingdom as soon as the clock struck midnight. 

Women in their cars enthusiastically and wholeheartedly cheered on their fellow female drivers on this memorable night. 

“I feel proud, I feel dignified and I feel liberated, said Almaeena.

She told Arab News that the event was changing her life by “facilitating it, making it more comfortable, making it more pleasant, and making it more stress-free.”

Almaeena urges all drivers to follow the traffic and road safety rules. “What’s making me anxious is the misconduct of a lot of the drivers, the male drivers. Unfortunately they’re not as disciplined as they should be. Simple things such as changing lanes and using your signals — this is making me anxious.”

Almaeena highlighted the significance of being a defensive driver. “I’m confident: I’ve driven all around the world when I travel, especially when I’m familiar with the area. It’s really mainly how to be a defensive driver because you have to be.”

On how society is adapting to this major change, Almaeena said: “Tomorrow is the first day, mentally and psychologically it already had that shift. As I mentioned, it’s a paradigm shift. In perception and how they view women, their capabilities — as equal partners. 

“Mentally it’s already there, and physically we will see — as we start — more and more encouragement for both men and women. Even some of the women who weren’t feeling comfortable about driving, it’s going to be encouraging for them, in a live demonstration and evidence that women can do it.” 

As roads around Saudi Arabia have been inhabited by a new breed of drivers, how has this affected the traffic flow in Saudi Arabia?

 “As of 12 a.m., the implementation of the Supreme Court order to enable women to drive and the implementation of traffic regulations to both men and women is officially in effect," said Col. Sami Al-Shwairkh, the official spokesman for General Security in the Kingdom. "The security and traffic status on all roads and areas around the Kingdom have been reported as normal. There have not been any records from our monitoring of any unusual occurrences on the road throughout the Kingdom.” 

To commemorate this occasion, as seen in the pictures circulating on social media, traffic policemen were handing roses to female drivers early on Sunday.

The General Security has already reported that it will be providing the required provisions for female drivers in Saudi Arabia.

Private insurance company Najm, in partnership with the General Department of Traffic, has hired 40 women and trained them to respond to road accidents involving female drivers.

The General Directorate of Traffic has completed all preparations to employ women on the country’s traffic police force. 


Saudi defense minister holds talks with UK security, defense officials

Updated 29 May 2025
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Saudi defense minister holds talks with UK security, defense officials

  • Prince Khalid bin Salman and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell discussed strategic partnership between the two countries

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with the UK’s National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in London on Wednesday.

The two sides “reviewed the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. “They also reviewed areas of cooperation and discussed regional and global developments, as well as ongoing efforts to support security and stability.”

The talks followed a meeting on Tuesday between Prince Khalid and British Defense Secretary John Healey during which they discussed strategic defense cooperation.


Saudi Embassy coordinating with Turkiye to find boy who fell into a creek

Updated 28 May 2025
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Saudi Embassy coordinating with Turkiye to find boy who fell into a creek

  • The embassy coordinated with child’s family after he reportedly went missing in a river in Trabzon province
  • Turkish authorities are investigating the incident

ANKARA: The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Turkiye confirmed on Wednesday that it is coordinating with Turkish authorities to search for a Saudi child who reportedly fell into Haldizen Creek in Uzungol region.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the embassy issued a statement clarifying the reports circulating in media outlets and across social media platforms regarding the incident in Trabzon province.

“From the first moments of the incident, the embassy coordinated with the child’s family and contacted the relevant Turkish authorities to investigate the incident,” the statement said.

“The authorities have responded and are gratefully conducting extensive searches in the area and its surrounding to locate the child. We ask God Almighty to crown these efforts with success and to protect everyone from all harm,” it added.


Founding nations sign Global Water Organization charter in Riyadh

Updated 28 May 2025
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Founding nations sign Global Water Organization charter in Riyadh

  • Ceremony was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide
  • Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years

RIYADH: The Global Water Organization officially launched operations from its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, with founding member states signing the organization’s charter.

The ceremony was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide through a holistic approach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on cooperation between countries and governments,” Prince Faisal said.

“The Kingdom looks forward to the organization becoming an international platform that drives sustainable solutions and supports developing nations in enhancing their water capabilities,” he said.

Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years, emphasizing that collective action was essential to achieving shared objectives. Prince Faisal invited all countries and private-sector entities to join the organization.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley took part in the ceremony and emphasized that the signing of the Global Water Organization’s charter and the launch of its operations from Riyadh reinforced shared international responsibility to preserve water resources.

Al-Fadley added that the importance of the organization stemmed from water being not just a resource, but a source of economic and social development and stability worldwide.

He described the organization as “not just a platform that brings countries together, but a collective global mind working to develop and integrate the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges comprehensively.”

“The Global Water Organization will lead international efforts to address water-related challenges and transform traditional water management approaches. These challenges go beyond water scarcity to ensure its availability at the right time and place and recognize its impact on the economy, public health, food security and supply chains, especially in the face of climate change,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of having an integrated system that covered all stages of the water cycle, adopting innovative economic models based on cost-benefit analysis, introducing new financing mechanisms, reducing reliance on government subsidies, and actively involving the private sector.

The GWO’s charter was signed by representatives from founding countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Senegal, Pakistan, Greece and Mauritania.

The organization aims to strengthen the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges.


Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh

Updated 28 May 2025
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Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received US envoy to the Syrian Arab Republic Thomas Barrack in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed steps to provide economic, humanitarian and other support to the Syrian people, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom Carlo Balducci in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.


The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

Updated 28 May 2025
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The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

  • Tech gadgets find their way to the holy cities alongside traditional garments
  • Modern pilgrims pack for comfort as well as reverence and spiritual intent 

RIYADH: As Hajj season approaches, pilgrims throughout Saudi Arabia are making lists, checking supplies, and organizing their thoughts for what many consider the most significant journey of their lives.

Alongside the spiritual preparations, pilgrims are packing Hajj suitcases with the traditional white garments and hygiene essentials as well as more personalized, thoughtful and even high-tech items.

From prayer lists and handwritten dua cards to smartwatches, earbuds, and journal notebooks, the modern pilgrim approaches Hajj not only with reverence but with intent, structure, and a little comfort.

For many, this approach reflects how deeply Hajj is embedded into the personal identity and emotional world of the pilgrim.

Arab News spoke with a few people who have previously completed Hajj to get an idea of what it is like to prepare for the pilgrimage.

“I packed my journal because I felt this experience deserved to be documented in detail,” Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, told Arab News. “I also included my daily skincare products, easy-access snacks, and drip coffee sachets — lifesaver,” she added.

The contents of Al-Jadaan’s suitcase told the story of a young woman approaching Hajj with equal parts practicality and reflection.

Her essentials included headphones, a smartwatch and a hair dryer — items she considered necessary after each of the physically demanding rituals.

For her, the process of preparation brought a deep sense of meaning.

“What struck me the most was the realization that this journey is unlike any other,” she said. “The version of me leaving home is not the same one returning.

“That thought hit me hardest when I was writing prayer lists for loved ones. People sent very specific prayers, personal hopes and goals. I even made a separate list so I wouldn’t forget anyone, including myself.”

Some pilgrims take a simpler approach. For Ethar Abdulrahman, 22, the focus was on utility and peace of mind.

“My essentials were a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, underclothes, outerwear, hair ties and wet wipes,” she said. “And I only brought my personal phone — just to stay in touch with my family.”

What made her preparation emotional was the fact that it was her first Hajj — and at a young age.

“The idea that I was going on Hajj for the first time and at such a young age was emotional on its own. Packing my personal items and bringing prayer books made it even more special.”

She also relied heavily on advice from seasoned pilgrims: “Bring Panadol, fever reducers, painkillers, and muscle relief cream. That advice helped me a lot.”

Her words reflect the layered purpose of each item: some for health, some for spiritual focus, and some simply for emotional safety.

Al-Jadaan echoed the sentiment. “A lot of people told me to only wear cotton and make sure my shoes were extremely comfortable. And it was the best advice I received.”

The overlap between generational wisdom and modern convenience shows how today’s pilgrims are combining tradition with adaptation.

For Mariam Al-Osaimi, 27, essential oils were a must. “I brought lavender and peppermint oil. Lavender helped me sleep, and peppermint was great for energy. They became part of my daily Hajj routine — almost like a spiritual ritual.”

Others took folding prayer mats, lightweight Qur’an readers, and portable chargers — recognizing the role technology can play in navigating crowds, locating tents, or staying connected to family.

One of the more discreet but powerful changes to the modern Hajj experience is the seamless integration of digital tools. Most pilgrims now use digital Qur’an apps, prayer reminder apps, or even step counters to track their movement during the rites.

Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, 29, said his smartwatch was more than just a gadget. “I set reminders for prayer times, prayers for each ritual, and even tracked my heart rate on the way to Jamarat,” he said.

“It helped me stay focused, grounded, and aware of how my body was responding, in case of potential panic attack due to my medical condition.”

While some may frown at these modern additions, many people see them as useful companions in the demanding spiritual and physical journey.