Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Enter Some Stadiums

Saudi Arabia has announced that starting from the new Gregorian year, women in the country will be allowed to enter certain sports stadiums. This new initiative is seen as part of the leadership's efforts to reduce restrictions on women in a predominantly conservative country. The announcement regarding women's entry into stadiums was issued on October 29 by the 'General Sports Authority' of Saudi Arabia. This announcement comes a month after the Saudi king granted women in the country the right to drive. The latest statement from the 'General Sports Authority' is considered to be in line with actions taken by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the 'Vision 2030' program, which encompasses a range of political, cultural, social, and economic reforms. The 'General Sports Authority' stated on its Twitter account that relevant officials have 'started preparing three stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to welcome family members at the beginning of 2018.' Media outlets have recently suggested that Saudi Arabia may soon allow women to enter cinemas as well. According to Saudi laws, a senior male member of the family must grant permission for women's education, travel, and several other activities; otherwise, women do not enjoy such rights on their own. The Associated Press recently analyzed the new policies of the Saudi leadership, particularly those of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating that this path is not easy, and Mohammed bin Salman faces public opinion in Saudi Arabia, which is highly religious and conservative. The Associated Press also emphasized widespread criticism of human rights conditions, referring to recent arrests in the country, noting that the Crown Prince has not yet addressed the issue of human rights. Recently, during a speech in Riyadh, Mohammed bin Salman stated, 'We only want to return to what we were: a moderate Islam that is open to the world and all religions. We will not waste 30 years of our lives fighting extremist thoughts. We will destroy them today.' Saudi Arabia has a population of nearly 20 million, with over half of them under the age of 25. Mohammed bin Salman, who is 32 years old, was appointed Crown Prince this summer, replacing Mohammed bin Nayef.