Vision 2030 and Reform in Saudi Arabia: Facts and Figures April 2015 - April 2021 - Foreword by Saud al-Sarhan
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Vision 2030 and Reform in
Saudi Arabia: Facts and Figures
April 2015 - April 2021
Foreword by Saud al-Sarhan
Special Report
May 2021, Ramadan 1442 H
1Vision 2030 and Reform in
Saudi Arabia: Facts and Figures
April 2015 - April 2021
Special ReportTable of Contents
Forward 8
Women’s Empowerment 11
Key Quotes 11
Key Facts 12
Appointments 15
Employment 18
Events 22
Family, Guardianship and Domestic Matters 23
Religion and Tolerance 24
Key Quotes 26
Key Facts 27
Appointments 28
Events 28
Education and Preaching 30
Meetings 31
Pilgrims 33
Religious Police 34
Culture, Sports and Entertainment 35
Key Quotes 35
Key Facts 35
Events 38
Sports 38
Film Industry 39
Tourism 41
5Table of Contents
Investment and Employment 44
Key Quotes 44
Key Facts 44
Companies 46
Global Indexes 47
Investment 48
Anti-Corruption 51
Private Sector 53
Employment 54
Sponsorship Program ‘kafala’ 56
Special Needs 57
Labor Rights 57
G20 58
Infrastructure 58
Renewable Energy and the Environment 61
NEOM and Other Giga Projects 66
Counterterrorism 69
Key Quotes 69
Key Facts 70
Specific Areas 74
Judicial Reform 74
Miscellaneous 75
6Appendix 78
Women’s Rights 78
2016 78
2017 78
2018 79
2019 80
2020 81
2021 81
Sports, Culture and Entertainment 82
2017 82
2018 83
2019 85
2020 87
2021 89
Investment, Finance and Fiscal Policy 90
2017 90
2018 92
2019 93
2020 95
2021 97
7Forward
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unveiling of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National
Transformation Program (NPT) on 25 April 2016 signified a turning point for the Kingdom.
The Crown Prince demonstrated his intention to drive the Kingdom into a future envisioned
and desired by the Kingdom’s aspirational, interconnected young Saudi men and women, and
championed by a member of their generation. Vision 2030 is an ambitious and wide-ranging plan
to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce its reliance on oil, and increase foreign investment,
transforming the Kingdom’s economic model by establishing the private sector as an engine
for growth and jobs. Saudi Vision 2030 comprises three main pillars: A Vibrant Society; A
Thriving Economy; and An Ambitious Nation.(1) To achieve the goals of these three pillars
the government has implemented societal and economic reforms to create a more prosperous,
outward-looking, and tolerant Kingdom.
This KFCRIS report provides the historical context to the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030,
through a five year overview of key decisions and initiatives that have facilitated the delivery
of Vision 2030 objectives. These decisions and initiatives are presented across five thematic
sections: women’s empowerment; religion and tolerance; culture, sports and entertainment;
investment and employment; and counterterrorism.
The section dedicated to each theme documents the major transformations with key facts,
related quotes, and relevant references. Subsections focus on important issues within
each theme. The appendix provides additional reporting on Saudi Arabia’s reform efforts.
This report complements previous KFCRIS reports on Saudi Arabia’s Response to the
COVID-19 Pandemic(2) and Saudi Arabia’s Religious Education Reform.(3) KFCRIS will
provide regular updates for full and up-to-the-minute documentation of the Kingdom’s
ongoing reform initiatives.
(1) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, “Saudi Vision 2030,” accessed March 4, 2021, https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/
report/Saudi_Vision2030_EN_2017.pdf.
(2) Freddie Neve, “Saudi Arabia’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”, King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic Studies, 2020,
https://www.kfcris.com/en/research/corona.
(3) Najah Al-Otaibi, “Vision 2030: Religious Education Reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” King Faisal Center for Research
& Islamic Studies, September, 2020, https://kfcris.com/en/view/post/305.
8This timely report underscores the extent and the significance of Saudi Arabia’s societal and
economic reform initiatives, which have been welcomed by the Kingdom’s primarily youthful
population, and highlights the speed of their formulation and implementation. This wide ranging
list of societal and economic reforms in a single document offers an invaluable resource for
academics, researchers, policy-makers and media representatives, among others. Its remit is to
provide not an analysis of Saudi Arabia’s reforms, but access to raw data that can be utilized for
analytical studies of the Kingdom’s reform program.
Dr. Saud al-Sarhan
Secretary-General of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies
9Note:
· The report does not claim to include every fact and figure related to the significant and rapid
changes brought about by Vision 2030. It will be regularly updated to include more past and
ongoing changes.
· The positions of officials mentioned in the report are accurate according to the date of the
fact cited. Some officials may have changed positions since then.
10Women’s Empowerment
The lifting of the ban on women driving on 24 June 2018 attracted global media coverage.(4)
But Saudi Arabia has also introduced other steps to relax Saudi Arabia’s guardianship laws,
enhance women’s role in society, and improve their access to employment.
Key Quotes
I just want to remind the world that American women had to wait long to get their
right to vote. So we need time. We have taken many steps. In King Salman’s time,
women were able to vote for the first time and twenty women won in these elections.
Women can now work in any sector. In business and commerce, as a lawyer, in the
political field and in all sectors. Women can carry out any job they want. What is left
is that we support women for the future and I don’t think there are obstacles we can’t
overcome… We look at citizens in general and women are half of this society and we
want it to be a productive half.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2017.(5)
[On being asked whether women were equal to men] “We are all human beings and
there is no difference.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman March 2018.(6)
More than 90 percent of pious Muslim women in the Muslim world do not wear
abayas. So we should not force women to wear abayas.”
– Sheikh Abdullah al-Mutlaq, member of the Council of Senior Scholars, February 2018.(7)
(4) “Saudi Arabia Driving Ban on Women to Be Lifted,” BBC News, September 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-
east-41408195.
(5) Alexandria Gouveia, “Saudi’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Talks Women’s Rights,” Emirates Woman, April 7, 2016, https://
emirateswoman.com/saudi-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-talks-womens-rights/.
(6) Ben Hubbard, “Saudi Crown Prince, in His Own Words: Women Are ‘Absolutely’ Equal,” New York Times, March 18, 2018,
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/18/world/middleeast/mohammed-bin-salman-saudi-arabia-60-minutes.html.
(7) “Saudi Women Should Not Have to Wear Abaya Robes, Top Cleric Says,” BBC News, February 10, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/
news/world-middle-east-43017148.
11Key Facts
· A Brookings Institution report in April 2021 noted that “the share of Saudi women in the
labor market expanded by an incredible 64 percent in just two years” pointing to Vision
2030 as the driver behind that.(8)
· A report released by the World Bank in January 2020 notes that Saudi Arabia has made
the most significant improvement globally in terms of women’s legal gains, having
implemented a number of reforms affecting women’s mobility, sexual harassment and
retirement age.(9)
· In August 2015, women were allowed to vote and run for office in municipal elections. In
December 2015, 38 women were elected or appointed to municipal councils.(10)
· Several women have been appointed to senior positions within the Kingdom under Vision
2030, and several industries have hired women for the first time.
· The Ambassador to the USA,(11) the Assistant Minister of Trading and Investment,(12) the
CEO of Samba Financial Group,(13) the CFO of Arab National Bank,(14) the Head of
Dammam Airport,(15) the Permanent Representative to UNESCO,(16) the Assistant Mayor
of al-Khobar Governorate,(17) the Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment at the
(8) Sofia Gomez Tamayo, Johannes Koettl, and Nayib Rivera, “The Spectacular Surge of the Saudi Female Labor Force,” The
Brookings Institution, April 21, 2021, https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2021/04/21/the-spectacular-surge-of-
the-saudi-female-labor-force/.
(9) Ellen Wulfhorst, “Saudi Arabia Leads in Women’s Legal Gains at Work, World Bank Says,” Reuters, January 14, 2020, https://
www.reuters.com/article/us-global-women-work-trfn-idUSKBN1ZD2NV.
(10) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women in Municipal Councils: One Year On,” Arab News, December 15, 2016, https://www.arabnews.
com/node/1024376/saudi-arabia.
(11) “Three Royal Orders Issued 3 Riyadh,” Saudi Press Agency, February 23, 2019, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=
en&newsid=1889383#1889383.
(12) “FaceOf: Iman Al-Mutairi, Saudi Assistant Commerce Minister,” Arab News, December 29, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1427271/saudi-arabia.
(13) Elise Knutsen, “Rania Nashar: Saudi Arabia’s First Female CEO of A Commercial Bank,” Forbes, July 23, 2017, https://www.
forbesmiddleeast.com/leadership/ceo/rania-nashar-saudi-arabias-first-female-ceo-of-a-commercial-bank.
(14) Zahraa Alkhalisi, “Women Take Three Top Jobs in Saudi Finance,” CNN Business, February 20, 2017, https://money.cnn.
com/2017/02/20/investing/saudi-arabia-women-finance/.
(15) Jason Lemon, “This Woman Is Now the Head of a Saudi Airport,” Step Feed, May 15, 2017, https://stepfeed.com/this-woman-is-
now-the-the-head-of-a-saudi-airport-9018?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PagePost.
(16) Mariam Nabbout, “This Saudi Princess Is Now Representing the Kingdom at the UNESCO,” Step Feed, January 16, 2020, https://
stepfeed.com/this-saudi-princess-is-now-representing-the-kingdom-at-the-unesco-4267.
(17) “Saudi Woman Named to Senior Government Post for First Time,” Voa News, September 27, 2017. https://www.voanews.com/
middle-east/saudi-woman-named-senior-government-post-first-time.
12Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development,(18) the Deputy Minister for Labor
and Social Development,(19) the Assistant Head of the Shura Council(20), the Ambassador
to Sweden and Iceland,(21) the Head of Tabuk’s regional council, and the Ambassador to
Norway,(22) are now all women.(23)
· In June 2018, the ban on women driving was lifted.(24) After this policy change was announced
on 26 September 2017, Saudi Arabia opened several driving schools for women, although
they are also allowed to attend male driving schools, and confirmed that women would be
allowed to drive all forms of transport, including motorcycles, trucks, and taxis.(25)
· Around 175,000 driving licenses were issued for women between June 2018 and January
2020.(26)
· The announcement has facilitated Saudi women entering the workplace, and since, Uber
began recruiting female drivers at the end of 2017,(27) and the ride-hailing company
Careem also announced plans to hire up to 100,000 female chauffeurs. (28)
(18) Reale Ambasciata dell’Arabia Saudita a Roma, “90th Saudi National Day: Message from HE. Hind Al Zahid, Undersecretary for
Women Empowement,” YouTube, September 22, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqgjc5sonI.
(19) Emma Day, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed a Female Deputy Minister,” Emirates Woman, February 27, 2018, https://emirateswoman.
com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-female-deputy-minister/.
(20) Ismaeel Naar, “Who Is Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Saudi Arabia’s New Assistant Speaker of Shura Council?,” Al Arabiya English,
October 19, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/10/19/Who-is-Dr-Hanan-al-Ahmadi-Saudi-Arabia-s-Assistant-to-
the-Speaker-of-Shura-Council-.
(21) Reem Krimly, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Third Female Ambassador Inas Al-Shahwan to Sweden and Iceland,” Al Arabiya English,
April 22, 2021, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/04/22/Inas-al-Shahwan-appointed-as-Saudi-Arabia-s-Ambassador-
to-Sweden-and-Iceland.
(22) “Saudi Ambassador Presents Credentials to Norway Crown Prince,” Arab News, February 19, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1812171/saudi-arabia.
(23) Ismaeel Naar, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Khulood Al-Khamis as First Female Head of Regional Council,” Al Arabiya English,
August 11, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/08/11/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-Khulood-al-Khamis-first-female-
head-of-regional-council?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=web_push&utm_campaign=en_ksa_first_female_council_
head&webPushId=MjA5NTc=.
(24) Sarah Sirgany and Laura Smith-Spark, “Landmark Day for Saudi Women as Driving Ban Ends,” CNN, June 24, 2018, https://
www.cnn.com/2018/06/23/middleeast/saudi-women-driving-ban-lifts-intl/index.html.
(25) “Saudi Government to Allow Women to Drive Taxis,” Middle East Monitor, May 5, 2018, https://www.middleeastmonitor.
com/20180505-saudi-government-to-allow-women-to-drive-taxis/; Sophie Inge, “Saudi Women Will Also Be Allowed to Drive
Motorcycles,” Mail Online, December 16, 2016, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5185983/Saudi-women-allowed-
drive-motorcycles.html.
(26) Khitam Al Amir, “Saudi Arabia: More Driving Schools for Women to Open Early 2021,” November 10, 2020, https://gulfnews.
com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-more-driving-schools-for-women-to-open-early-2021-1.1604954444878.
(27) Heba Kanso, “Cars, Apps and Driving Schools: Saudi Women Drivers Targeted as New Market,” Reuters, October 9, 2017,
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-women-driving/cars-apps-and-driving-schools-saudi-women-drivers-targeted-as-new-
market-idUSKBN1CE1V7.
(28) “Saudi Arabia’s next Revolution: Female Taxi Drivers,” Mail Online, October 12, 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/
article-4973448/Saudi-Arabias-revolution-female-taxi-drivers.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490.
13· Guardianship laws have been relaxed; Saudi women can travel abroad, apply for a passport
and other government services, register a birth, marriage, and divorce, open a business,
and seek medical treatment without a guardian’s permission.(29)
· Gender segregation rules have been relaxed, particularly in restaurants, where it is no longer
compulsory.(30) The above means that women are enjoying greater social freedoms than
before, increasingly attending sports matches, concerts, and other entertainment events.
· Thirty of the 150 Shura Council members are now women.(31)
· In 2019, women comprised 55.8 percent of all university graduates from Saudi Arabia.(32)
· The number of working women in Saudi Arabia reached 1.03 million (35 percent of the
workforce) in the third quarter of 2019, compared to 816,000 in 2015.(33)
· In December 2019, Saudi Arabia relaxed its gender segregation rules in restaurants.
Previously women had been required to use a separate entrance and sit behind partitions
when dining in public. Many public places had already stopped enforcing the gender
segregation rules. It was hoped that the decision would attract greater investment and
more business opportunities to the Kingdom.(34)
· A number of industries are hiring women for the first time, including the military,(35) air
traffic control,(36) and public prosecution.(37)
· New sexual harassment laws also provide female employees with greater protection.(38)
(29) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Travel Independently,” BBC News, August 2, 2019, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-
east-49201019.
(30) Natasha Turak, “Saudi Arabia Ends Gender Segregation in Restaurants,” CNBC, December 12, 2019, https://www.cnbc.
com/2019/12/09/saudi-arabia-ends-gender-segregation-in-restaurants.html.
(31) Simon Rushton, “Saudi Arabia Restructures the Supreme Court, Shura Council and Council of Senior Scholars,” The National,
October 21, 2020, https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/saudi-arabia-restructures-the-supreme-court-shura-council-
and-council-of-senior-scholars-1.1095679.
(32) Amna Puri-Mirza, “Share of Female Graduates Saudi Arabia 2010-2019,” Statista, March 16, 2021, https://www.statista.com/
statistics/1118988/saudi-arabia-share-of-female-graduates/.
(33) “As Society Opens, Saudi Women Surge into Job Market”, Arabian Business, April 28, 2020, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/
jobs/445797-as-society-opens-saudi-women-surge-into-job-market.
(34) Stephen Kalin, “Saudi Arabia Ends Gender-Segregated Entrances for Restaurants,” Reuters, December 8, 2019, https://www.
reuters.com/article/us-saudi-gender/saudi-arabia-ends-gender-segregated-entrances-for-restaurants-idUSKBN1YC0FZ.
(35) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Join Military,” BBC News, February 26, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-
east-43197048.
(36) “12 Saudi Women Join Air Traffic Controller Training,” Saudi Gazette, March 5, 2018, https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/529803/
SAUDI-ARABIA/12-Saudi-women-join-air-traffic-controller-training.
(37) “Saudi Arabia to Recruit Female Investigators,” Xinhua Net, February 12, 2018, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-
02/12/c_136967865.htm.
(38) Paul Harrison and Mohamed El Aassar, “Saudi Arabia to Criminalise Sexual Harassment,” BBC News, May 29, 2018, https://
www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-44290312.
14· In September 2020, The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
issued an order forbidding gender-based discrimination in employment and remuneration:
“The employer is prohibited from distinguishing between their workers, whether during
the performance of work or when hiring or advertising it, on grounds such as sex, disability,
age, or any other form of discrimination.”(39)
Appointments
· In February 2017, Rania Nashar was appointed CEO of Samba Financial Group and
Latifa al-Sabhan was appointed CFO of Arab National Bank.(40) In February 2017, Sarah
al-Suhaimi became the first woman to head Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange.(41)
· In May 2017, Hind al-Zahid was hired to head Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport.(42) She is
the first woman to hold this role. She has since been appointed a Deputy Minister within
the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.(43)
· In July 2017, Saudi Arabia appointed three women to its new Family Affairs Council.
Princess Lulwa al-Faisal Al Saud, Lana Saeed, and Raja Bahadhiq were appointed to serve
three-year terms.(44)
· In 27 September 2017, Eman al-Ghamdi was appointed Assistant Mayor of al-Khobar
governorate, the first woman to be appointed to a municipal post.(45)
(39) No Gender Discrimination in Salary of Private Sector Employees”, Saudi Gazette, September 15, 2020, https://saudigazette.com.
sa/article/597970
(40) Zahraa Alkhalisi, “Women Take Three Top Jobs in Saudi Finance.” CNN, February 20 2017, https://money.cnn.com/2017/02/20/
investing/saudi-arabia-women-finance/.
(41) Vivian Nereim and Matthew Martin, “Sarah Al Suhaimi to Become the First Woman to Head Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange,”
Bloomberg, February 16, 2017, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-16/sarah-al-suhaimi-said-to-become-first-
woman-to-head-saudi-bourse.
(42) Jason Lemon, “This Woman Is Now the Head of a Saudi Airport.” Step Feed, May 15 2017, https://stepfeed.com/this-woman-is-
now-the-the-head-of-a-saudi-airport-9018.
(43) “90th Saudi National Day: Message from HE. Hind Al Zahid, Undersecretary for Women Empowerment.” YouTube, 22 September
2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUqgjc5sonI.’
(44) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed 3 Women to Its New Council for Family Affairs,” StepFeed, August 2, 2017,
https://stepfeed.com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-3-women-to-its-new-council-for-family-affairs-3433.
(45) “Saudi Woman Named to Senior Government Post for First Time,” Reuters, September 27, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/
saudi-women-labour/saudi-woman-named-to-senior-government-post-for-first-time-idINKCN1C22GT; Mariam Nabbout, “This
Woman is the First to Hold a Municipal Position in Saudi Arabia.” Step Feed, September 28, 2017. https://stepfeed.com/this-
woman-is-the-first-to-hold-a-municipal-position-in-saudi-arabia-3957.
15· In September 2017, Fatimah Baeshen began working as a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s
Embassy in Washington. She was the first woman to occupy this position.(46)
· In October 2017, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud was appointed President
of the Saudi Federation for Community Sports.(47)
· In February 2018, Noura Saleh Alturki was appointed Vice President of the Saudi Shooting
Federation. She is the first woman to hold this position in a sports federation.(48)
· In February 2018, Dr. Tamadur bint Youssef al-Ramah was appointed Deputy Minister of
Labor and Social Development.(49) She is the first woman to hold this role.
· In August 2018, the Mayor of Jeddah, Saleh al-Turki, appointed four women to oversee
different municipalities within Jeddah.(50)
· In September 2018, Weam al-Dakheel became the first woman to anchor the nightly news
on Saudi-run television. She appeared alongside a male co-host on Saudi Arabia’s channel
Saudi TV 1.(51)
· In October 2018, Lubna al-Olayan became the first Saudi woman to run a bank in the
country. She will chair a new bank resulting from a merger between Saudi British Bank
(SABB) and Alawwal Bank. The new bank will be Saudi Arabia’s third biggest bank, with
a capitalization of $17.2bn.(52)
· In October 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation appointed females to its board for the
first time.(53)
(46) Josh Lederman, “A First: Spokeswoman at Saudi Arabian’s U.S. Embassy,” The Detroit News, October 20, 2017, https://www.
detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2017/10/20/saudi-arabia-united-states-spokeswoman/106862550/.
(47) Rayana Khalaf, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed Its First-Ever Female Head of Sports,” StepFeed, October 18, 2017, https://
stepfeed.com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-ever-female-head-of-sports-3660.
(48) “The Board of Directors of the Saudi Shooting Federation Appoints Nora Saleh AlTurki as Vice President of the Federation,”
Twitter, February 15, 2018, https://twitter.com/CICSaudi/status/964111178577469440.
(49) Emma Day, “Saudi Arabia Just Appointed a Female Deputy Minister,” Emirates Woman, February 27, 2018, https://emirateswoman.
com/saudi-arabia-just-appointed-its-first-female-deputy-minister/.
(50) Mohammed Al-Kinani, “Four Women Appointed to Key Jobs at Jeddah Municipality,” Arab News, August 28, 2018, https://www.
arabnews.com/node/1362891/saudi-arabia.
(51) Amanda Erickson, “For the First Time Ever, a Woman Anchored the Nightly News in Saudi Arabia,” Washington Post, September
24, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/09/24/first-time-ever-woman-anchored-nightly-news-saudi-arabia/; Krysia
Lenzo, “Saudi Woman Makes History as Country’s First Female Evening News Anchor,” Fox News, September 24, 2018, https://
www.foxnews.com/world/saudi-woman-makes-history-as-countrys-first-female-evening-news-anchor.
(52) “Lubna Al Olayan Appointed as First Woman Saudi Bank Head,” BBC News, October 5, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-
middle-east-45763656.
(53) “Saudi Football Chiefs Appoint First Women Board Members,” Samaa TV, October 4, 2018, https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/10/
saudi-football-chiefs-appoint-first-women-board-members/.
16· In December 2018, Abeer al-Jaber and Gaziyah al-Dossary became Saudi Arabia’s first
certified female firefighters.(54)
· In December 2018 Dr. Iman Almutairi was appointed Assistant Minister of Commerce.(55)
· In February 2019, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud was appointed Ambassador
to the US by a royal decree(56) becoming the first female ambassador for the Kingdom.(57)
· In June 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed 53 women to be investigators within Saudi Arabia’s
public prosecution office.(58)
· In July 2020, Dr Lilac al-Safadi was appointed President of the Saudi Electronic University.
This is the first time that a woman has led a co-educational university.(59)
· In July 2020, Amal al-Moallimi was appointed Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Norway.(60)
· In July 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed its first female cultural attachés to its embassies.
Dr. Amal bint Jameel Fatani will be Saudi Arabia᾿s Cultural Attaché in the UK, Fahda bint
Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh will be the Cultural Attaché in Ireland, and Dr. Yusra bint Hussain
al-Jazairi will be acting cultural attaché in Morocco.(61)
· In July 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed thirteen females to the Saudi Human Rights
Commission. Half the positions on the commission are now occupied by women.(62)
· In August 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed Dr. Khulood al-Khamis as head of Tabuk’s
regional council. She is the first woman to head a regional council.(63)
(54) “Meet Saudi Arabia’s First Certified Female Firefighters: Engineers Abeer Al-Jaber & Ghaziyah Al-Dossary,” Tweet @
SaudiEmbassyUSA, December 29, 2018, https://twitter.com/SaudiEmbassyUSA/status/1079027865704951808.
(55) “FaceOf: Iman Al-Mutairi, Saudi Assistant Commerce Minister,” Arab News, December 29, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1427271/saudi-arabia.
(56) “Three Royal Orders Issued 3 Riyadh.” Saudi Press Agency, February 23, 2019, https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=
en&newsid=1889383#1889383.
(57) “Saudi Arabia Announces Princess as US Ambassador,” BBC News, February 24, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-
middle-east-47346887.
(58) “53 Women Appointed to the Judiciary,” EG 24News, June 3, 2020, https://www.eg24.news/2020/06/53-women-appointed-to-
the-judiciary.html.
(59) Tamara Abueish, “Saudi Arabia Appoints First Female President as Head of Co-Ed University.” Al Arabiya English, July 4, 2020.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/07/04/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-first-female-president-as-head-of-co-ed-university-.
(60) “Meet Amal Al Moallimi: The New Saudi Ambassador to Norway,” About Her, accessed March 21, 2021, https://www.abouther.
com/node/30651/people/leading-ladies/meet-amal-al-moallimi-new-saudi-ambassador-norway.
(61) “Saudi Education Minister Appoints First Women Cultural Attaches,” Arab News, August 2, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1713691/saudi-arabia.
(62) “13 Women Appointed to Saudi Human Rights Commission,” Arab News, July 5, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1699131/
saudi-arabia.
(63) Ismaeel Naar, “Saudi Arabia Appoints Khulood Al-Khamis as First Female Head of Regional Council,” Al Arabiya English,
August 11, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/08/11/Saudi-Arabia-appoints-Khulood-al-Khamis-first-female-
head-of-regional-council.
17· In August 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed ten females to senior leadership positions at the
General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.(64) It had previously recruited
41 females to leadership positions in 2018.(65)
· In August 2020, Ahlam bint Abdulrahman Yankasar was appointed Director-General of the
Department of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is the first female to
be appointed to the rank of director-general within this ministry.(66)
· In October 2020, Dr. Hanan bint Abdulrahim al-Ahmadi was elevated to Assistant Chairman
of the Shura Council. This is the third most senior position within the Shura and the first
time a female has held the position.(67)
Employment
· In March 2016, it was announced that female lawyers would be able to practice law in a
courtroom before a judge, and could represent both males and females.(68)
· In April 2016, the Ministry of Labor(69) announced that factory owners must employ a
minimum of ten Saudi females in all phases of the production process.(70)
· In June 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Civil Service(71) announced that it would increase
the number of women employed in higher positions from 1.27 percent to 5 percent by 2020.(72)
· In March 2017, the Ministry of Labor(73) announced that it would set up nurseries in
(64) “Saudi Women Land Leadership Positions in the Two Holy Mosques,” About Her, accessed March 21, 2021, https://www.
abouther.com/node/31526/people/leading-ladies/saudi-women-land-leadership-positions-two-holy-mosques.
(65) Katie Feehan, “Saudi Arabia Appoints 10 Women in Senior Roles in Holy Mosques in a Rare Move to Boost Female Employment
in the Islamic Kingdom,” Mail Online, August 16, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8633333/Saudi-appoints-10-
women-senior-roles-holy-mosques.html.
(66) “Saudi Foreign Ministry Appoints First Woman as Director-General,” Arab News, August 25, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1724536/saudi-arabia.
(67) Ismaeel Naar, “Who Is Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, Saudi Arabia’s New Assistant Speaker of Shura Council?” Alaribya English,
October 19, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/10/19/Who-is-Dr-Hanan-al-Ahmadi-Saudi-Arabia-s-Assistant-to-
the-Speaker-of-Shura-Council-.
(68) Rob L. Wagner, “Saudi Women Lawyers Achieve Equality in the Courtroom,” The Arab Weekly, March 25, 2016, https://
thearabweekly.com/saudi-women-lawyers-achieve-equality-courtroom.
(69) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
(70) “Factories must employ minimum of 10 women,” Arab News, April 7, 2016, https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/911521
(71) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
(72) “Women’s Percentage in Higher Jobs to Be Increased,” Arab News, June 27, 2016, https://www.arabnews.com/node/945631/
saudi-arabia.
(73) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
18workplaces to create “a safe and friendly working environment for women”.(74) A company
is obliged to have childcare facilities if it hires over 50 females, and a nursery if there are
ten children or more.(75)
· In April 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation launched
its Atqin community training program. Over 10,000 Saudi women have since joined the
program, where they can train in computer maintenance, technical support, mobile phone
maintenance and skills.(76)
· In April 2017, it was announced that a $133 million joint venture between Saudi Arabia and
Japan would provide employment at Unicharm Gulf Hygienic Industries for 250 females
in Saudi Arabia.(77)
· In August 2017, Saudi women were working as emergency responders during the Hajj for
the first time. They are working for the National Operations Center in Mecca, which unifies
government response services.(78)
· In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it would train women to be air traffic
controllers for the first time. The Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation has announced a one-
year course for Saudi women to qualify and progress into the air traffic control profession.
Eighty women aged 18 to 25 will join the first training program.(79)
· In September 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Development(80) announced
that it would be offering 80,000 job opportunities for females in the service industry.(81)
(74) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women Find Working Environment Improving, but Obstacles Remain,” Arab News, March 9, 2017,
https:, https:, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1064691/saudi-arabia.
(75) “Saudi Arabia Edges More Women into Work,” Financial Times, September 1, 2017, https://www.ft.com/content/c55d6cf4-8cd3-
11e7-9084-d0c17942ba93.
(76) Fatima Muhammad, “TVTC Institute in Makkah Trains 40 Disabled People in Various Trades,” Saudigazette, March 25, 2018,
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/531204.
(77) “Business News: Saudi-Japanese Joint Venture Riyadh Allows 250 Women to Be Employed,” Agenzia Nova, Winter 2017,
https://www.agenzianova.com/a/0/1551249/2017-04-23/business-news-riad-joint-venture-saudita-giapponese-consente-
impiego-250-donne.
(78) Mahmoud Mourad, “For First Time, Saudi Women Step into Haj Emergency Role,” Reuters, August 29, 2017, https://
www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-haj-women-emergency/for-first-time-saudi-women-step-into-haj-emergency-role-
idUSKCN1B91LQ.
(79) Lack Moore, “Women Will Train as Air Traffic Controllers in Saudi Arabia for First Time,” News Week, September 18, 2017,
https://www.newsweek.com/women-will-train-air-traffic-controllers-first-time-saudi-arabia-667129.
(80) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
(81) Abeer Al-Fahd, “80,000 Jobs for Saudi Women Soon: Labor Ministry,” Saudigazette, September 19, 2017, http://saudigazette.
com.sa/article/517533/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-women.
19· In November 2017, it was announced that women would be able to train as commercial
pilots in Saudi Arabia.(82)
· In January 2018, it was announced that Saudi Ground Services Co. would start training
women to work at local airports from February 2018.(83)
· In February 2018, the Saudi government announced that some military jobs would be
opened to females in seven provinces.(84) Applications for the recruitment of female soldiers
were accepted from June 17–20, 2019.(85)
· In March 2018, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development(86) and Human Resources
Development Fund announced the establishment of Qurrah, a children’s advocacy program
to empower women working in the private sector.(87)
· In March 2018, twelve women joined the first training course for female air traffic
controllers. The course guaranteed a job at its conclusion.(88) A hundred and thirty women
applied for the second training course, held later that year.(89)
· In April 2018, Saudi Arabia assured Apple that male and female employees would be
allowed to work together in any stores Apple opened in the country. This could pave
the way for other foreign consumer brands to open their first offices and shops in Saudi
Arabia.(90)
· In May 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers passed a law to criminalize sexual
harassment in Saudi Arabia. The bill grants anonymity to alleged victims and criminalizes
the incitement of sexual harassment. The law requires public and private institutions to
(82) Jason Lemon, “Saudi Women Can Learn to Fly at a New Aviation Academy in Dammam,” November 14, 2017, https://stepfeed.
com/saudi-women-can-learn-to-fly-at-a-new-aviation-academy-in-dammam-6167.
(83) NOOR NUGALI, “Ground Services Recruit Saudi Women to Work at Local Airports,” Arab News, January 4, 2018, https://www.
arabnews.com/node/1218771/saudi-arabia.
(84) Maryam Al-Jaber, “Saudi Arabia opens military jobs for women in 7 regions,” Al Arabiya, February 22, 2018, https://www.
alarabiya.net/saudi-today/2018/02/22/مناطق--7في-للسيدات-عسكرية-وظائف-تفتح-السعودية-.
(85) “Saudi Arabia Opens Applications for Recruitment of Female Soldiers, Immigration Officers,” Arab News, June 13, 2019, https://
www.arabnews.com/node/1510551/saudi-arabia.
(86) Now called Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
(87) “Saudi Arabia to Establish 233 Centers to Host Children of Working Women,” Arab News, March 4, 2018, https://www.arabnews.
com/node/1258821/saudi-arabia.
(88) “12 Saudi Women Join Air Traffic Controller Training,” Saudi Gazette, March 5 2018, https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/529803.
(89) “130 Saudi Women Apply for Air Traffic Control Training,” Arab News, July 24, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1344941/
saudi-arabia.
(90) Financial Times, “Saudi Arabia Agrees to Gender Mixing for Local Apple Staff,” Financial Times, April 8, 2018, https://www.
ft.com/content/7fa92232-39aa-11e8-8b98-2f31af407cc8.
20make all necessary arrangements to prevent harassment. Sentences of up to five years and
a fine of up to SAR 300,000 ($80,000) can be passed on those found guilty.(91)
· In June 2018, the General Directorate of Border Guards announced that it would accept
females to become Security Inspection Officers.(92)
· In July 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice allowed females to become notaries for the
first time.(93) Twelve women were granted their licenses shortly after this was announced.(94)
· In July 2018, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental
Protection started employing women in environmental inspection teams.(95)
· In August 2018, five women became the first to receive their pilot’s licenses.(96)
· In September 2018, the Riyadh-based airline Flynas stated that it would start recruiting
Saudi females as co-pilots. Women are not legally barred from the aviation sector in Saudi
Arabia, but the sector has traditionally been dominated by foreign workers. Over 1,000
women have applied to become co-pilots.(97)
· In January 2019, the Kingdom’s Employment Subsidy Program, created by the Human
Resources Development Fund, announced 10 percent additional incentives for the private
sector to hire females.(98)
· In March 2019, three women became Saudi Arabia’s first female tour guides. Their licenses were
granted by the Commission for Tourism and National Heritage(99) branch in the Tabuk region.(100)
(91) Paul Harrison and Mohamed El Aassar, “Saudi Arabia to Criminalise Sexual Harassment,” BBC News, May 29, 2018. https://www.bbc.
com/news/blogs-trending-44290312; “Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet Approves Long Sought Anti-Harassment Law,” Center for International
Communication, May 30, 2018, https://cic.org.sa/2018/05/saudi-arabias-cabinet-approves-long-sought-anti-harassment-law/.
(92) “Saudi Recruits Female Border Guards,” Middle East Monitor, June 12, 2018, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180612-
saudi-recruits-female-border-guards/.
(93) “Les Saoudiennes Autorisées à Être Notaires, Une Première Dans Le Royaume,” Europe 1, July 9, 2018, https://www.europe1.fr/
international/les-saoudiennes-autorisees-a-etre-notaires-une-premiere-dans-le-royaume-3705764.
(94) “Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice Grants 12 Women ‘Verification’ License,” Arab News, July 9, 2018, https://www.arabnews.
com/node/1335971/saudi-arabia.
(95) Arab News, “KSA to Have Female Environmental Inspectors,” Arab News, July 26, 2018, https://www.arabnews.com/
node/1346121/saudi-arabia.
(96) Maryam Aljaber, “First Saudi Woman to Get Pilot License: Soon, I Will Captain a National Airliner,” Al Arabiya English, August
29, 2018, https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2018/08/29/First-Saudi-woman-pilot-Soon-I-will-be-your-captain-in-kingdom.
(97) Layan Odeh, “Flynas Plans Soon to Hire Saudi Arabian Female Co-Pilots,” Bloomberg.Com, September 11, 2018, https://www.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-11/flynas-says-will-soon-hire-saudi-female-co-pilots.
(98) “Saudi Human Resources Development Fund Says 51,000 Citizens Register for Employment Subsidy Program,” Arab News,
April 28, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1666161/saudi-arabia.
(99) Now called Ministry of Tourism
(100) “3 Saudi Women Become KSA’s First Tour Guides,” Arab News, March 11, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1465266/lifestyle.
21· In June 2019, Saudi pilot Yasmeen al-Maimani became the first woman to head a domestic
flight in Saudi Arabia.(101)
· In September 2020, The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued
an order forbidding gender-based discrimination in employee’s wages and remuneration
practices. The Ministry said: “The employer is prohibited from distinguishing between
their workers, whether during the performance of work or when hiring or advertising it,
such as sex, disability, age, or any other form of discrimination.”(102)
· In October 2020, Saudi Arabia appointed 100 women as notaries within the Saudi Ministry
of Justice. Saudi women were first allowed to be notaries in 2018.(103)
· In February 2021, Saudi Arabia announced that women would be able to join its military.
Women can now join the Saudi Arabian Army, Royal Saudi Air Defense, Navy, Strategic
Missile Force and the Armed Forces Medical Services and receive promotion up to the
rank of Sergeant.(104)
Events
· In February 2017, a three-day gathering was held at the King Fahd Cultural Center to
celebrate Saudi Arabia’s Women's Day for the first time.(105)
· In July 2018, Haifaa al-Mansour became the first female Saudi director to release a
Hollywood film. The film is based on the life of the author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley.(106)
· Until January 2018, women were unable to enter stadiums to attend sporting events. Since
then, they have attended football matches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.(107)
(101) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Female Pilot Becomes First to Head Official Flight in the Kingdom,” Step Feed, June 14, 2019, https://
stepfeed.com/saudi-female-pilot-becomes-first-to-head-official-flight-in-the-kingdom-8340#.XQOGD-N4eec.twitter.
(102) HR Ministry: No Gender Discrimination in Salary of Private Sector Employees”, Saudi Gazette, September 15, 2020, https://
saudigazette.com.sa/article/597970.
(103) “Saudi Justice Ministry Appoints 100 Women Notaries,” Arab News, October 25, 2020, https://arab.news/vd68s.
(104) Deema Al Khudair, “Saudi Arabia Opens Military Recruitment to Women,” Arab News, February 21, 2021, https://www.
arabnews.com/node/1812906/saudi-arabia.
(105) Samuel Osborne, “Saudi Arabia Celebrates Its First Ever Women’s Day in Riyadh,” Independent, February 5, 2017, https://
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-first-ever-women-s-day-riyadh-ultra-conservative-islamic-
kingdom-guardianship-driving-a7563586.html.
(106) Victoria Brown and Thomas Page, “Haifaa Al-Mansour Weighs in on Saudi Cinema’s New Dawn,” CNN, July 9, 2018, https://
edition.cnn.com/style/article/saudi-arabia-cinema-reforms-haifaa-al-mansour/index.html.
(107) “Saudi to Allow Women into Stadium for National Day,” France 24, September 20, 2017, https://www.france24.com/
en/20170920-saudi-allow-women-stadium-national-day.
22· In March 2019, Saudi Arabia hosted the Gulf Arab States’ first women’s football tournament.
The Green Hall, in al-Khobar Sports City, hosted sixteen teams from Saudi Arabia, the
UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. It has since been announced that Saudi Arabia will
launch its own female football league, and in November 2020 it was launched.(108)
Family, Guardianship and Domestic Matters
· In December 2015, authorities announced that divorced and widowed women could obtain
family ID cards for themselves and their children, making it easier for them to register
children for school, healthcare, and other services.(109)
· In May 2016, it became compulsory to give Saudi females a copy of their marriage contract.(110)
· In January 2017, the Shura’s security committee supported a bill to grant Saudi citizenship
to children born to Saudi mothers and non-Saudi fathers. The bill is yet to be voted on by
the Shura.(111)
· In May 2017, a royal decree issued by King Salman stated that women would no longer
require guardian consent to receive government services “unless there is a legal basis for
this request in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Shariah”.(112)
· In August 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved an alimony fund for divorcees and their
children. The fund will pay alimony to beneficiaries before a divorce is issued as well
as if an ex-husband does not pay on time. The latter must then repay the sum paid out.(113)
The fund is set to be launched in May 2018.(114) In February 2019, the Ministry of Justice
(108) Rawan Radwan, “Riyadh Readies to Host Gulf’s First Women’s Football Tournament,” Arab News, February 27, 2019, https://
www.arabnews.com/node/1458556/sport; “Saudi Arabia first women’s football league kicks off,” BBC, November 18, 2020,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54988746.
(109) “Divorced Saudi Women to Get ID Cards,” Hurriyet Daily News, December 3, 2015, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/
divorced-saudi-women-to-get-id-cards-reports--92029.
(110) “Saudi Brides to Receive Marriage Certificates for First Time,” Al Araby, May 4, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/
society/2016/5/4/saudi-brides-to-receive-marriage-certificates-for-first-time.
(111) “Independent Passports for Saudi Women Proposal Approved,” Saudi – Gulf News, February 2017, https://gulfnews.com/
world/gulf/saudi/independent-passports-for-saudi-women-proposal-approved-1.1971394.
(112) Lulwa Shalhoub, “Saudi Women No Longer Need Guardians’ Consent to Receive Services,” Arab News, May 5, 2017, https://
www.arabnews.com/node/1094681/saudi-arabia.
(113) “Saudi Arabia Approves Four Decisions in 10 Days to ‘Boost Women’s Rights’,” Al Arabiya English, August 15, 2017, https://
english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/15/Saudi-ministry-approves-four-decisions-in-10-days-to-empower-women-.
(114) “Saudi Ministry of Justice to Launch Alimony Fund Modelled on UK’s Child Maintenance Service,” Cision PR Newswire,
May 15, 2018, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-ministry-of-justice-to-launch-alimony-fund-modelled-on-
uks-child-maintenance-service-682640021.html.
23ordered over 3000 divorced fathers to pay alimony(115) or risk spending up to seven years in
prison. The same amount of alimony is to be paid for girls as for boys.(116)
· In August 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice approved ten provisions controlling the
marriage of minors. Only relevant courts can authorize the marriage of a girl aged under
seventeen. The marriage application must be submitted by the girl and her mother or legal
guardian.(117)
· In February 2018, the Saudi government announced that women would be able to open
their own businesses without the consent of a guardian.(118)
· In March 2018, the Ministry of Justice announced that divorced women can retain custody
of their children without filing a lawsuit, provided there is no dispute between the parents.(119)
· In September 2018, a Saudi court ruled in favor of a woman who sued her father for
refusing to issue a passport for her.(120)
· In January 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council endorsed regulations prohibiting girls and
boys under fifteen from marrying. It also endorsed another regulation requiring those under
eighteen to require the approval of a specialized court.(121)
· In January 2019, a new regulation was implemented to prevent a man from ending a
marriage without informing the spouse. A woman in Saudi Arabia will now receive a text
message when a court confirms her divorce.(122)
· In August 2019, a royal decree was released permitting women to travel abroad without
a male guardian’s permission. Women and men over the age of 21 are now able to apply
(115) Noor Nugali, “Divorced Saudi Fathers Forced to Pay SR52 Million in Alimony,” Arab News, February 5, 2019, https://www.
arabnews.com/node/1447131/saudi-arabia.
(116) Alimony Evaders in Saudi Arabia Face up to 7 Years in Prison as Punishment,” Alarabiya English, June 28, 2018, https://
english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2018/06/28/Alimony-evaders-in-Saudi-Arabia-face-up-to-7-years-in-prison-as-punishment.
(117) “Saudi Arabia Approves Four Decisions in 10 Days to ‘Boost Women’s Rights’,” Al Arabiya English, August 15, 2017, https://
english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2017/08/15/Saudi-ministry-approves-four-decisions-in-10-days-to-empower-women-.
(118) “Saudi Women to Start Own Busines without Male Permission,” Mail Online, February 18, 2018, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
wires/afp/article-5405467/Saudi-women-start-busines-without-male-permission.html.
(119) “Divorced Saudi Women Can Now Win Child Custody Rights without Filing Lawsuits,” Center for International Communication,
March 12, 2018, https://cic.org.sa/2018/03/divorced-saudi-women-can-now-win-child-custody-rights-without-filing-lawsuits/.
(120) “Arabie Saoudite: La Justice Oblige Un Père À Procurer Un Passeport À Sa Fille,” i24 News, September 21, 2018, https://
www.i24news.tv/fr/actu/international/moyen-orient/184625-180921-arabie-saoudite-la-justice-oblige-un-pere-a-procurer-un-
passeport-a-sa-fille.
(121) Heba Kanso, “Is Saudi Arabia on the Road to Ending Child Marriage?” Reuters, January 10, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/
article/us-saudi-child-marriage/is-saudi-arabia-on-the-road-to-ending-child-marriage-idUSKCN1P42CW.
(122) Financial Times, “Saudi Women to Receive Divorce Notification by Text Message,” January 6, 2019, https://www.ft.com/
content/ef23cf8c-11ad-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e.
24for and travel with a passport autonomously. The royal decree also grants women the
right to register births, marriage, and divorce.(123) In addition Saudi students studying
overseas, even those under the age of 21, no longer need a permit to travel from their
guardian.(124)
· In November 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health directed all health facilities to grant
women their right to undergo surgical procedures without the approval of a male guardian.
This brings into effect a royal decree issued by HM King Salman two years earlier.(125)
· In July 2020, a court ruled in favor of a woman on trial for traveling to Riyadh alone and
living there without her father’s permission. The ruling highlights how Saudi Arabia’s
judicial system is willing to uphold the relaxation of the country’s guardianship system.(126)
· In November 2020, Saudi Arabia announced new penalties for the abuse of women
including imprisonment and fines of up to $13,332.(127)
· In January 2021, Saudi Arabia expanded its anti-sexual-harassment rules to give courts the
power to publicly shame those found guilty.(128)
(123) “Saudi Arabia Allows Women to Travel Independently,” BBC News, August 2, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-
east-49201019.
(124) Rawan Radwan, “Saudi Arabia Clarifies Travel Rules on Students Studying Abroad,” Arab News, August 21, 2019, https://
www.arabnews.com/node/1542216/saudi-arabia.
(125) Mariam Nabbout, “Saudi Women No Longer Need Men’s Approval for Medical Treatment,” Step Feed, April 11, 2019, https://
stepfeed.com/saudi-women-no-longer-need-men-s-approval-for-medical-treatment-7358.
(126) Joanne Serrieh, “Saudi Arabia’s Historic Ruling for Woman Living Independently without Permission,” Al Arabiya English, July
15, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/07/15/-Saudi-Arabia-rules-in-favor-of-woman-living-independently-
without-permission.
(127) Emily Judd and Rawad Taha, “Saudi Arabia Cracks down on Abuse against Women with Prison Term, up to $13,332 Fine,”
Al Arabiya English, November 25, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2020/11/25/Saudi-Arabia-cracks-down-on-
abuse-against-women-with-prison-minimum-up-to-13-332-fi.
(128) Tareq Althaqafi, “Saudi Lawyers: New ‘Naming and Shaming’ Powers Will Deter Sexual Predators,” Arab News, January 14,
2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1792251/saudi-arabia.
25Religion and Tolerance
Saudi Arabia is a deeply religious country, and with Islam’s two Holy Mosques located in the
country, many Muslims across the world look to the country for guidance in religious matters.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership takes this responsibility seriously. The Kingdom wants to destroy
extremist ideologies and be a country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the
rest of the world.
Key Quotes
[Saudi Arabia will return to] what we were before – a country of moderate Islam that is
open to all religions and to the world…We will not waste 30 years of our lives dealing
with extremist ideas; we will destroy them today.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman, October 2017.(129)
We need to work together to promote moderate Islam. We want to fight terrorism, and we
want to fight extremism because we need to build stability in the Middle East.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman, March 2018.(130)
I believe that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation. I
believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2018.(131)
Our country doesn’t have a problem with Jews. Our Prophet Muhammad married a
Jewish woman… You will find a lot of Jews in Saudi Arabia coming from America,
coming from Europe.”
– HRH Mohammed bin Salman, April 2018.(132)
(129) Raf Sanchez, “Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Promises to Lead His Country ‘Back to Moderate Islam’,” The Telegraph, October
24, 2017, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/24/saudi-prince-promises-lead-country-back-moderate-islam/.
(130) Con Coughlin, “Mohammed Bin Salman Interview: ‘British and Saudi People Will Be Much Safer If We Have a Strong
Relationship’,” The Telegraph, March 5, 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/05/exclusive-interview-british-
saudi-people-will-much-safer-have/.
(131) Jeffrey Goldberg, “Saudi Crown Prince: Iran’s Supreme Leader ‘Makes Hitler Look Good’,” The Atlantic, April 2, 2018, https://
www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/04/mohammed-bin-salman-iran-israel/557036/.
(132)
26Islam is moderate in its ways. It is unfortunate that extremism has hijacked this religion.”
– Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, June 2018.(133)
Fighting antisemitism is a religious obligation and a moral obligation.”
– Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, Head of the Muslim World League, June 2020.(134)
Key Facts
· Since 2016, the powers of the religious police have been reduced. They no longer have
the power to arrest, pursue or request documents from suspects. Their absence from the
streets has contributed to more freedom for Saudis, particularly women.
· A Coptic mass was held for the first time in Saudi Arabia in December 2018.(135) This was
the first non-Islamic religious ceremony in the Kingdom.
· Within a matter of days in March 2018, the Crown Prince met both the Coptic Pope(136) and
the Archbishop of Canterbury.(137) The Crown Prince has also met Christian evangelical
leaders,(138) and a group that included two rabbis in New York.(139)
· In February 2020, King Salman received a Jerusalem-based rabbi, David Rosen.(140)
· A series of appointments has shifted the official religious establishment in a more liberal
direction. In August 2016, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa was appointed head of the Muslim
World League, and in January 2019, he called on Muslims to commemorate International
(133) “Saudi Arabia Turns against Political Islam,” The Economist, June 23, 2018, https://www.economist.com/special-report/2018/06/21/
saudi-arabia-turns-against-political-islam.
(134) “Saudi Cleric Says Combatting Anti-Semitism a Duty,” France 24, June 11, 2020, https://www.france24.com/en/20200611-
saudi-cleric-says-combatting-anti-semitism-a-duty.
(135) “Egyptian Bishop Leads First Ever Coptic Mass in Saudi Arabia,” Cairo Scene, February 12, 2018, https://cairoscene.com/
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