RIYADH: Ever since June 24, when the ban on women driving was lifted, many Saudis have been trying their luck at spotting an actual woman behind the wheel.
People are keeping count of how many they’ve seen driving.
As the number is still low, it’s become something of a phenomenon to spot one on the busy streets of Riyadh.
“People are joking that women drivers are like the Pokémon game: Rare to spot and everyone is looking out for them,” said Mozon S, a mother of three, who has registered at the Saudi driving school at Princess Noura University. She started taking lessons this week.
“The number of ladies that have received their driving licenses do not compare to the amount of men who already have theirs. Therefore, the number of women taking to the streets is relatively low.”
“A lot of men are saying look, women don’t want to drive, we haven’t seen any so far,” Mozon said.
“But if they go to women driving schools and they see the ladies registering for a license, they will be surprised by the sheer number. 
Women by nature are responsible. This matter is no different to them. They know driving is a responsibility, which should be taken seriously and through legal means.”
“So far, I’ve only seen one lady drive at the Bahrain and Khobar intersection.” said Noor Musheiykh, an architect.
“I was shocked. It felt weird, and I laughed afterwards. It’s because this is new, and we haven’t seen it, yet. The number of licenses issued for ladies is small, but them driving is giving off positive vibes!”
More than 120,000 women have applied or expressed interest in obtaining a license so far. Which would explain the small number of women on the streets.
Spotting a woman out in the street driving still a rarity in KSA
Spotting a woman out in the street driving still a rarity in KSA
- More than 120,000 women have applied or expressed interest in obtaining a license so far
Saudi leadership sends cables of condolences after passing of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia
- Zia died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Thursday sent a cable of condolences to the President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin after the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Tuesday.
The king prayed that God have mercy on Zia, forgive her sins, and admit her into paradise. He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable.
On Wednesday, huge crowds had flocked to the area outside Bangladesh’s national parliament building in the capital to attend the funeral prayers for Zia, who died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.
Zia was buried in late afternoon with state honors beside the grave of her husband, a former president who was assassinated in a military coup in 1981, in a park outside the parliament building later Wednesday.
