Saudi Interior Ministry Says No Problem in Women Patrols

traffic
traffic
TT

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.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
TT

GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.