Prince says Saudi Arabia not yet ready to let women drive

Saudi Arabia is not yet ready to allow women to drive, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was quoted as saying by Bloomberg, explaining that the issue is more complicated than simply ending restrictions.

Allowing women to drive is “not a religious issue as much as it is an issue that relates to the community itself that either accepts it or refuses it,” he said. “The community is not convinced about women driving,” he added, pointing to the belief held by many Saudis that it may cause negative consequences.

The kingdom is the only nation in the world that bans women from driving. Women also require a guardian’s consent to receive a passport, marry or travel outside of Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this month, the prince announced his support for women to achieve more of their rights that are permitted in Islam, but have not yet obtained in the kingdom. The process, however, must be gradual, he said. On the other hand, such reforms may face staunch criticism from fundamentalists looking to keep the status quo.

King Salman and the Saudi cabinet approved “Vision 2030” on Monday, mapping out the kingdom’s future preparation for a post-oil economy. The current restrictions on women’s free movement around the country may impede attempts to lure new businesses to the kingdom.

A few changes in women’s rights in the country were witnessed last year. Before his death in 2015, King Abdullah opened the kingdom’s first coeducational university, named the first female deputy minister, and permitted women to vote and run in municipal polls.