Saudi Arabia to allow women to visit sporting stadiums
Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on women from attending sporting events in stadiums. From next year, families which include women, would for the first time be allowed to enter stadiums located in three major cities, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The move follows the historic lifting of a ban on Saudi female drivers and is part of a larger drive to modernize Saudi society.
What the new stadium rules entail?
The sports authority of Saudi Arabia said preparations would begin in stadiums in the three cities so they can be made "ready to accommodate families from early 2018." As part of the changes, new restaurants, cafes and monitor screens would be constructed inside the stadiums. So far, these stadiums have been men-only areas.
Reforms are part of Prince Salman's shift to "moderate Islam"
The recent reforms are part of 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to bring about widespread social and economic changes to the kingdom, dubbed Vision 2030. Last week, he said Saudi Arabia would try returning towards a "moderate Islam." He said nearly 70% of the Saudi population was aged below 30 and they wanted a "life in which our religion translates to tolerance".
More needs to be done to empower Saudi women
Despite the recent reforms and announcements, women continue to face severe restrictions in the country, where a strict form of Sunni Islam called Wahhabism is enforced. Women can't be associated with unrelated men and must adhere to stringent dress codes. Women must be accompanied by, or possess written permission of a male guardian, if they wish to travel, work or gain health-care access.
