JEDDAH: Le Mall in Jeddah hosted Saudi Arabia’s first women-only car show last week.
The show — held under the slogan “Drive and Shop” — came as a result of King Salman’s historic 2017 announcement that women would finally be allowed to drive in the Kingdom, starting in June this year.
The exhibition offered women information about various automotive brands, as well as financing options from the leading banks and financial houses in the Kingdom.
The automotive showroom was sponsored by a private Saudi dealership offering an assortment of 2018 models and brands.
Samia Mohammed Noor, a housewife and mother-of-five, told Arab News: “My husband has a big SUV due to the size of our family, but I’d like to have a minivan; it’s better for me to handle than a bigger car.”
Raneem Adel, also a housewife and mother-of-six, told Arab News: “I actually wish I could have a minivan. I don’t want a huge SUV that needs lots of gasoline.”
Majed Al-Harbi, who heads the Jeddah branch of the show’s sponsors, told Arab News: “This showroom aims to present cars to women so they can learn more about cars and the choices they should be aware of before they decide to buy one when women are allowed to drive on June 10.”
He added that the show had focused on cars that are fuel-efficient, an important
factor following the Kingdom’s introduction of the value-added tax (VAT).
Saudi women prefer minivans to larger SUVs
Saudi women prefer minivans to larger SUVs
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
