JEDDAH: “When pigs fly,” was a frequent expression when I was growing up in Saudi Arabia, applied to things that were very unlikely to happen.
One such thing was women driving. Yet on Sept. 26, 2017, pigs grew wings as the Saudi Ambassador to the UN, Abdullah Al-Mouallimi, announced “the important first step” to the world just a few minutes after the royal decree was announced.
On June 24, I heard the pigs exultantly clapping their little wings!
Even though I won’t be getting my driver’s license until August, the thrill and relief I felt seeing all these women arguing on Twitter about whether to drive or not, cannot be put into words. It is not a matter of driving, but a matter of choice and deciding how to live your life.
June 24 was not just another day to Saudis. Just a week ago, but already it feels like a long time since our lives as women changed forever. At 11:50 p.m., we wanted to do two things: Close the newspaper pages and make sure everything was perfectly in place before we hit the streets as soon as the clock struck midnight.
Saudi women, and men alike, hit the streets in major cities to mark the day as soon as the momentous royal decree came into force, either behind the wheel or in the passenger seat, waving at female first-timers.
On our first ride, we encountered overwhelming support. Although not behind the wheel that day, I was being driven by a female driver for the first time. Our senior editor Mo Gannon was at the wheel, excited to have the honor of driving Arab News women around the beautiful coastal city of Jeddah. Editor in Chief Faisal J. Abbas was gladly sitting in the passenger seat.
The Dubai-based Canadian editor’s first visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by milestones: Not only was she among the first women to drive in the Kingdom, but she was the first foreign woman to rent a car from Budget Saudi Arabia.
“Let’s go on an all-women road trip,” she declared after she got the keys to the Land Cruiser. From the passenger seat, Arab News photographer Huda Bashatah documented the trip with her camera, while reporter Aseel Bashraheel, in the backseat, navigated as we made our way through Jeddah’s busiest area, the south.
Old Jeddah was the perfect place to show off our traditional side to our foreign visitor, thirsting for a dose of culture away from skyscrapers, busy malls and fancy neighborhoods. The tantalizing aroma of roasted peanuts and fresh Turkish coffee filled the narrow alleys of Al-Balad, a soothing aroma evoking the good old days.
Our trip ended at the Jeddah Hilton. “I hope your turn comes and you get to drive your own cars soon,” said one of the security guards, in a Bedouin accent, smiling and waving at us as we passed by the hotel’s main gate. It was refreshing to hear a Saudi man showing his support to his countrywomen.
“Inshallah, we will,” replied Huda.
Social media has been abuzz in the past couple of days with women and men posting videos.
One Saudi man shared a video of his wife driving him to work, while Sahar Nasief, a lecturer at King Abdul Aziz University and women’s rights activist, posted a clip of her filling her car at the gas station for the first time.
“First gas-filling in Jeddah,” she announced. Such spontaneous moments mean the world to these women.
“Welcome to the 21st century,” was among the most repeated comments I encountered on Twitter. I remember an inspiring video my father shared on WhatsApp about people’s different time zones. I would like to tell those keyboard warriors: We are not late. We are not early. We are very much on time, and in our time zone!
While I am not attempting to speak on behalf of more than 30 million Saudis here, but living in the Kingdom for almost 27 years has shown me that we are tired of people lecturing us about how we should behave in order to join the ranks of the first world.
To some these incidents may seem like baby steps, but they are huge milestones to citizens and residents of the country.
So, dear world, please fasten your seatbelts and take the back seat while we drive the wheel of change our own way.
Women driving in KSA: A huge milestone not a baby step
Women driving in KSA: A huge milestone not a baby step
- The arrival of women drivers could lift Saudi car sales by 15-20 percent annually
- Carmakers joined governments in welcoming the order by Saudi Arabia's King Salman that new rules allowing women to drive
Saudi Arabia was green corridor 8 million years ago: Saudi Heritage Commission
- Mesfer Alqahtani: The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert
- SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations
RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission unveiled new findings this week that prove the Kingdom was a vital oasis eight million years ago.
Mesfer Alqahtani, archaeology consultant at the commission, said on Wednesday: “The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert, it underwent repeated humid phases that supported rich biodiversity and sustained both land and marine ecosystems, making it a natural bridge for the movement of species between Africa and Asia in the ancient world.”
The SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations. It used a combination of dating techniques such as uranium-thorium and uranium lead analysis studies to document the longest-known record of ancient climate in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back about eight million years.
The study analyzed 22 speleothem samples extracted from seven desert caves located northeast of Riyadh near Shawayyah in Rumah governorate. The caves are locally known as Duhool Al-Samman.
Experts at the SHC underlined that these findings provide clear evidence of recurrent humid and rainy periods in the region’s past.
The study also found fossils pointing to the presence of a fertile environment.
Dr. Ajab Alotaibi, director general of the commission’s antiquities sector, said that the study highlighted the Arabian Peninsula’s crucial role as a corridor for the dispersal of organisms between Africa, Asia and Europe.
The study is part of the commission’s flagship initiative, the Green Arabia Project, which aims to explore the region’s natural and environmental history.
Michael Petralia, professor and director, Australian Research Center for Human Evolution, said: “Our archaeological work on the lakes of Arabia has now indicated that humans and early humans were in Saudi Arabia 500,000 years ago; that tells us immediately that Arabia acted as a crossroads between continents, between Africa and Asia, so this is a landscape that is very important in terms of documenting heritage, paleontology, archaeology, through time.”
The SHC-led findings have been published in the scientific journal, “Nature,” under the title “Recurrent humid phases in Arabia over the past 8 million years.”
The research brought together 30 scientists from 28 organizations — local and international — including the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Geological Survey, King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Griffith University in Australia, and several universities and research centers across Germany, Italy, the UK and the US.
According to the SHC, the study marks a major milestone for the Green Arabia Project, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious efforts to promote scientific research and document the natural and cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
These findings also offer valuable insights into restoring Saudi Arabia to its original, greener state, supporting pivotal projects such as Green Riyadh and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The project seeks to better understand how environmental and climatic changes have shaped the region across eras — contributing to a richer, more complete understanding of Saudi Arabia’s natural history.
Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the SHC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaborations.
Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve
- Five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments
- Initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 25 animals from endangered species into the King Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.
The initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats.
The animals — five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures — have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments, restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in Saudi Arabia’s protected areas.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said it was “another step toward achieving our vision for wildlife development in the Kingdom.”
He emphasized it demonstrated the center’s commitment to breeding endangered species according to international standards, enhancing biodiversity and achieving environmental sustainability targets under Saudi Vision 2030.
The program also reflects the center’s dedication to collaborating with environmental partners to achieve common goals that reflected the Kingdom’s efforts to balance economic development with the protection of natural resources. It continues the center’s work in ecosystem rehabilitation and endangered species breeding, supporting the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Green Initiative.
Qurban added the work also boosted tourism, created jobs and led to improved quality of life in local communities.
The initiatives are implemented through specialized centers considered among the world’s best in breeding and reintroduction, applying international standards and practices to ensure successful releases and ecological balance.
Bangladesh bringing Saudi ties to ‘new heights,’ envoy says
- Countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations as Dhaka celebrates national day
- M. Delwar Hossain: ‘Bangladeshis have transformed an impoverished country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world’
RIYADH: Bangladesh is looking to seize the “momentous occasion” of 50 years of ties with Saudi Arabia to bring its relationship with the Kingdom to new heights, the country’s ambassador has said.
M. Delwar Hossain, ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, was speaking at a Bangladesh National Day reception to mark the 54th anniversary of the country’s independence.
This year also marks 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Riyadh.
“I welcome you all to the celebration of the 54th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh,” Hossain said.
“On this momentous occasion, I render homage to the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of the country in 1971.”
Over the years, Bangladeshis have transformed an impoverished country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, he added.
“We now seek to make a bigger stride toward our dreams. With a vibrant private sector, a huge pool of competent workforce and a sizable domestic market, Bangladesh is now well poised to engage in deeper mutually beneficial cooperation with international partners and friends,” Hossain said.
“The government has undertaken a series of reform initiatives in key sectors to further improve overall governance and the competitiveness of the economy.”
The ambassador described relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as “excellent,” based on mutual respect, shared values and common aspirations.
Though the state-level formal diplomatic relationship was established shortly after Bangladesh’s independence, ties between the two peoples dates back centuries, he added.
“Since then, our relationship has witnessed progressive expansion, both in depth and dimension. At the moment, our two nations are in meaningful collaboration in a wide range of areas. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia enjoy deeper understanding and collaboration on regional and global issues of common interest. We have been working closely in the UN and other multilateral fora including the OIC,” said Hossain.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their continued support and goodwill toward Bangladesh. We express our heartiest gratitude to the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia for hosting about 3 million expatriate Bangladeshis,” he added.
The reception was attended by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, undersecretary of the Riyadh Region, as well as Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, deputy minister for Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hossain said: “This year, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
He added: “We look forward to seizing this momentous occasion to take our relationship to new heights and make it more meaningful to the people of both countries.
“There still remains huge potential for mutually beneficial deeper collaboration in numerous areas, particularly in trade and investment, energy, human resources, IT, health, agriculture and climate.”
AlUla joins five Saudi cities in IMD World Smart City Index 2025
- AlUla’s listing on the Smart City Index reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to position the city as a leading heritage, cultural, and tourism hub
- IMD is globally recognized for its expertise in competitiveness and is the publisher of the World Competitiveness Yearbook
RIYADH: AlUla has been included in the IMD World Smart Cities Index 2025, released by the International Institute for Management Development, alongside five other cities in Saudi Arabia: Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the agency, this milestone underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to its Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming urban landscapes into smart cities through innovative projects led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in collaboration with various government entities. The goal is to create smart cities that elevate quality of life to the highest standards.
The IMD is globally recognized for its expertise in competitiveness and is the publisher of the World Competitiveness Yearbook, a reference for international organizations and institutions seeking insights into competitive practices.
According to the SPA, AlUla’s listing on the Smart City Index reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to position the city as a leading heritage, cultural, and tourism hub. The integration of modern technologies, enhanced by artificial intelligence, aims to safeguard archaeological treasures while enriching the visitor experience. Advanced digital solutions, such as crowd management systems, smart transport services, and interactive applications are used to facilitate a seamless exploration of the city.
The IMD Smart City Index 2025 evaluates cities on diverse criteria, including residents’ perceptions of smart city initiatives, the balance of economic and technological factors with human dimensions, and the alignment between citizens’ needs and contemporary trends in urban development.
The index also highlights the significance of digital technologies in optimizing resource utilization, reducing carbon footprints, and making public spaces more attuned to the needs of residents.
In a related development, in 2023 the National Competitiveness Center and IMD formalized their collaboration through a bilateral agreement in Lausanne, Switzerland, intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in alignment with Vision 2030. Key figures, including Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, attended the signing ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to leverage global expertise and best practices.
The NCC reiterated its dedication to enhancing competitiveness by accessing IMD’s consulting services and educational programs. This partnership follows Saudi Arabia’s rise in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, where it climbed eight places to secure 24th position globally, a sign of significant advances in government policy and efforts at digital transformation.
Saudi women honored for their achievements by Princess Nourah excellence awards
- The event recognizes outstanding contributions of women in 6 categories: natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities
- Organizers of the awards this year receive a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom
RIYADH: Saudi women were honored for their achievements at the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, this year recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of women in six categories.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shaalan was honored in the health sciences category, Dr. Thamraa Alshahrani received the natural sciences award, and Al-Jawhara Mahmoud Hamza was recognized for her contributions to social initiatives.
Sarah Al-Suhaimi was the recipient of the award for economic projects, Marzouqa Al-Armani for artistic works, and Hind Al-Sudairy in the field of humanities.
The awards were presented by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hithlain, the king’s spouse. Inas Al-Issa, the president of Princess Nourah University, and Ibtisam Al-Othman, secretary-general of the awards body, gave speeches during the ceremony.
The organizers of the awards this year received a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The awards aim to recognize and support outstanding work led by women and inspire future generations to contribute to national development.
