Eight in 10 Saudis want women to drive: Arab News/YouGov poll

Updated 24 June 2018
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Eight in 10 Saudis want women to drive: Arab News/YouGov poll

LONDON: Almost eight in 10 Saudis who reside in the Kingdom agree with the decision to allow women to drive, with the majority of females saying they plan to apply for a license, an Arab News/YouGov poll has found.
The wide-ranging poll of more than 500 adults revealed the models of car favored among Saudi women and found that most think driving will “transform” their lives.
King Salman last month issued a decree that will allow women to get behind the wheel by June next year. The current “ban” is considered a social issue in the Kingdom, as there is no actual law or religious edict that prohibits women driving. 
The Arab News/YouGov poll, which was conducted in early October, found that 95 percent of Saudis are aware of the decision to allow women to drive, with a generally positive reaction to the move. The sample was representative of the online adult Saudi population in terms of age and gender. 
A total of 77 percent of Saudis polled said they agree with the decision to allow women to drive — although the move was more popular with women than men. Seven in 10 males agree that women should have the right to drive, compared with 82 percent of females.
Freedom of movement for women and the belief that driving “is a basic human right” were the top reasons cited by those in agreement with the decision to lift the driving ban.
But among those who disagreed with the move, 54 percent believe “it is not safe for women to drive,” while 36 percent said “it is against local cultural traditions.”
When asked about the impact of women driving, mainly economic factors were cited by the Saudi men and women polled.
Four in 10 said the move would help boost the economy, while 35 percent said it would allow more women to work.
The poll illustrates how the decision will have a huge impact on society, with two-thirds of women questioned saying that it will significantly “transform” their lives, and half saying it will allow them to get to work more easily.
Faisal J. Abbas, editor in chief of Arab News, said that the poll reveals the true significance of the “historic” decision for Saudi society.
“Lifting the driving ban is the latest step in a raft of reforms underway in the Kingdom, both social and economic. But this change will, arguably, have the biggest positive impact on the day-to-day lives of citizens,” said Abbas.
“One of the most revealing findings of the Arab News/YouGov survey was that most women who plan to get behind the wheel will do so in order to get to work.
“That will see more of the Kingdom’s highly educated women finding fulfilling employment, boosting household incomes, and helping to meet Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic aim of shaking its ‘addiction’ to oil.”
The automotive industry can also expect a massive financial boost from the move to allow women to drive, with 85 percent of Saudi women who plan to drive saying they will buy a car, the poll revealed.
Budget models are favored, with 44 percent saying they expect to spend just SR40,000 ($10,666) or less on a motor.
Medium-sized sedans are the most favored among Saudi women, with Toyota, BMW and Jeep named among the top brands, the poll found.
The top car colors chosen were black (29 percent) and pearl white (12 percent) with the least popular being pink, grey and brown.

• For full report and related articles please visit: #SaudiWomenCanDrivePoll


Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives a delegation from the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law
Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

  • Strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in Riyadh on Monday.

During the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian law.

The strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also discussed during the meeting.


Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

Updated 40 min 53 sec ago
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Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming to perform the Hajj rituals this year.

He also reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.

He also examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their residences are ready to receive them.

During the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components, including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative buildings within the center’s scope.


Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures

Updated 49 min 13 sec ago
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Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures

RIYADH: Municipal authorities in the Asir region have announced the completion of renovation and development works in the historic Al-Yanfa heritage village in the Tamniah district.

The initiative aims to elevate the village into a premier destination, attracting visitors and tourists from across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Al-Yanfa, situated in the scenic Al-Shaaf district of Asir, reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Just 45 km from Abha, the village features historical landmarks such as ancient buildings, mosques and fortified structures amid Asir’s picturesque landscapes. It is also known for its moderate climate and lush green surroundings.

Bandar Al-Nafiei, deputy secretary for projects at the Asir Municipality, highlighted the restoration efforts. He said that the project began with rehabilitating pathways and courtyards, with stone paving throughout the village.

To enhance the village’s charm, illumination fixtures were placed along pathways and courtyards, Al-Nafiei said.

Extensive landscaping was also undertaken, covering every part of the village, from entrances to pathways and courtyards. Additionally, a rainwater drainage project was implemented, incorporating natural wood elements, the SPA reported.

Al-Nafiei said that the village project, spanning more than 60,000 sq m, was implemented using advanced engineering methods. This approach aimed to provide visitors with easy access to explore the village and its historical heritage.


Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum

Updated 13 May 2024
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Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum

RIYADH: The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.

Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.

It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.

Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.

Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.

By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.

With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.


Fitness campaign promotes regular physical activity

Updated 13 May 2024
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Fitness campaign promotes regular physical activity

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation has said that its 2024 summer campaign, “Move Your World,” aims to help people engage in physical activities.

After surveying men and women across the Kingdom, the federation identified various obstacles and difficulties that people face daily, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The federation had solicited opinions from adult citizens and residents to pinpoint the primary reasons for their irregular participation in sports or physical activities.

A total of 46 percent of respondents said they did not have enough time in their daily routines for exercise or sports. About 14 percent mentioned health issues, disabilities, or injuries. Approximately 13 percent cited social or family obligations, and 8 percent said they feared picking up injuries.

The federation aims to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity and help people overcome barriers hindering their participation, the SPA reported.

The summer campaign will offer weekly challenges to help motivate people. Additionally, it will emphasize the significance of physical activity for individuals of all ages.