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
Traditional Saudi arts thrill visitors at Damascus fair
RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s role as guest of honor at the Damascus International Book Fair, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission presented a series of live performances at the Saudi pavilion.
The pavilion showcased the diversity of traditional arts and introduced visitors to the richness and historical depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The program highlighted traditional art forms from different regions of the Kingdom, offering audiences a comprehensive cultural experience.
The performances demonstrated each art form’s distinctive rhythms, group movements, traditional costumes and tools, as well as their connection to social occasions and celebrations, reflecting Saudi values, history and diverse environments.
The commission’s pavilion saw strong visitor engagement; audiences interacted with the performances and enjoyed their varied rhythms.
It reflects the commission’s efforts to represent the Kingdom in major international cultural forums, and to reinforce Saudi national identity at Arab and international events.
The Saudi pavilion at the fair, which runs until Feb. 16, showcases creativity and fosters cultural dialogue, supporting Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge exchange and cultural leadership.
