The Council of Ministers yesterday issued a new law making independent national identity cards mandatory for Saudi women within a period of seven years. Saudi males 15 years old and older should also obtain separate identity cards.
“A Saudi citizen completing 15 years of age must have a national ID card of his own, and this shall be optional for those between 10 and 15 years,” the new law said. The card shall be issued on the basis of the Central Civil Registry.
The new law added: “A Saudi woman must have a national ID card on the basis of a phased plan, but without exceeding seven years. Afterwards, a national identity card shall be the only way to prove her identity.”
Saudi women have welcomed the Cabinet decision. Mysar Jabr, a female student, said it was another step toward empowering women. “It is vital for women, especially when they are in business and serve as Shoura members. They are not just dependent members,”she told Arab News. “Many civil institutions and government departments require IDs to provide their services,” Jabr said. “Before, women had to bring at least one family member to identify her.”
Jabr said her friend’s father didn’t want his daughter to have her own national identity card, fearing that she will be independent and can do whatever she wants. “She never got the ID card until she got married,” Jabr said.
An official at the women’s section in the Civil Affairs Department in Jeddah told Arab News that the ID can be used by women to meet the requirements of various departments. She added that girls now have to get their own IDs when completing 18 years.
Arwa Turkistani, another student, was not very excited by the decision as she thinks that women would still require men besides them to complete most transactions. However, she said it is a good move that would give women at least have self satisfaction.
IDs a must for Saudi women
IDs a must for Saudi women
Saudi Arabian Scouts Association unveils environmental protection program in Riyadh
- Scouting association leader emphasizes that environmental scouting is not only a public service activity but also encouragea responsible behavior among young people
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association (SASA) has launched a new environmental protection program at King Salman Wildlife Park in Banban, north of Riyadh, marking a renewed commitment to conservation and youth engagement in sustainability efforts.
The initiative, unveiled in the presence of scouts, rovers, and scout leaders representing various scouting sectors, brought together partners from relevant government agencies and private-sector organizations, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The program reflects growing collaboration between civic groups and national institutions to advance environmental protection goals across the Kingdom.
Abdulrahman Al-Mudaris, secretary-general of the association, said the initiative underscores the scouts’ active role in supporting national strategies to preserve natural resources and promote sustainable development.
He emphasized that environmental scouting is not only a public service activity but also an educational approach designed to instill environmental awareness and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
The launch event featured a series of hands-on activities, including planting seedlings, sowing seeds, and distributing them throughout the park to support vegetation growth and enhance biodiversity.
Founded in 1961, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
Over the decades, Saudi scouts have played a visible role in community service, disaster response, and public event organization, including supporting pilgrim services during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
