Saudi Interior Ministry Says No Problem in Women Patrols

traffic
traffic
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Saudi Interior Ministry Says No Problem in Women Patrols

traffic
traffic

The Saudi Interior Ministry has affirmed that there is no problem in having women patrols on the external roads, following the recruitment of women in security control centers.

Women are also permitted to drive motorcycles, trucks and cars once the decree becomes applicable in June next year.

The ministry noted that the Saudi woman can replace her Gulf license with a Saudi one, and will be exempted from the driving test.

As part of a memo to explain the traffic rules in the kingdom for men and women, the ministry stressed that when women start driving vehicles nothing will stop them from working in security control centers and checkpoints.

This would take place after processes of training, qualifying and developing capabilities. Awareness-raising campaigns were launched, targeting women interested in driving, also agreements were signed with a number of parties willing to open schools for teaching driving, mentioned the ministry.

“Women visiting Saudi Arabia can drive with an international license, recognized for one year since the date of entry to the kingdom or the expiry date (depending on which date is sooner),” stated the Ministry of Interior.

It also underlined the royal decree banning harassment so that the Saudi woman can practice her legitimate rights, knowing that she can always notify the emergency or security centers about any harassment. 

Since the issuance of the royal decree allowing women to drive, the Directorate-General of Traffic has been part of a committee, which was formed for this purpose.

All regulatory and administrative requirements were prepared to enable the Traffic of performing essential roles once women start driving.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.