The end of the ban on Saudi women driving is just weeks away.
It made headlines around the world when it was announced, and now, the end of Saudi Arabia’s ban on women behind the wheel is around the corner.
And according to officials in the kingdom, all the preparations are in place for women to hit the road.
Read:
Our picks: 10 Dubai iftars to try this Ramadan
The Burj Khalifa bore Sheikh Zayed’s face to commemorate him
“All the requirements for women in the kingdom to start driving have been established,” director general of the General Department of Traffic Mohammed Al-Bassami said in local media according to Gulf Business.
Women over the age of 18 will be able to apply for their licences come June 24, and they’ll need to take a driving course, the site says.
Those who have licences from outside the kingdom will be able to convert them, but they will also need to take lessons. The length of those courses will be between six and 30 hours depending on the applicant’s experience, Gulf Business reports.
Reports indicate that women will be charged more than their male counterparts.
In April, offers for free driving lessons spread across social media in the kingdom, with the aim of offsetting the high price of official classes.
The initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to make Saudi a more modern, tourist-friendly destination.
Read:
Saudi’s Princess Reema says there is a generation gap on reforms
In pictures: The best looks from Saudi’s first Arab Fashion Week
Under the plans, women will be able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities from this year, and female students in the kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus.
Additionally, more Saudi females have been appointed to top jobs, a royal directive allowed women to use certain government services without a male guardian’s consent, and recent approval was issued for the go-ahead of women’s gyms.
Images: Getty
