Saudi women happy about new 'freedom'

Dubai - Previously, women had to gain approval from a male guardian in order to obtain a passport.

Saudi women in the UAE hailed the new amendment approved by the Saudi Cabinet on Thursday that allows women aged 21 and above to travel independently. The amendment also allows them to apply for passports "like all citizens", putting them on an equal footing with men.
Leila Almaeena, Saudi national and a leadership coach based in Dubai, said it didn't surprise her in the wake of all the "reforms" and strides since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken charge under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
"They have truly raised the status of Saudi women and the historic changes they have brought about in such a less time has empowered us to reach international levels. From all the fantastic changes that we have been experiencing for the past year or so, I knew this was in the works. It was a natural progression I feel."
Almaeena said more than Saudi women residing outside the country, it would help the women living in conservative families in the kingdom, who have not yet experienced freedom of being independent without their male guardians.
Welcoming the news, 25-year-old Sara Edris, a Saudi national living in Dubai, said she was excited and happy to see her country change positively.
"This new law of allowing a woman to apply for passport and travel alone without a male sponsor is great news. I feel these slow and steady changes are going to open so many doors for women and their full potential can be utilised. I am very happy and excited to see this change as I see them valuing women and giving them importance."
She added: "I have spent some part of my childhood in Saudi Arabia and all I remember about it was that there were very strict rules for women in terms of wearing specific outfits or even walking outside alone. There was no freedom whatsoever. After I moved to Dubai 12 years ago, I noticed gradual changes in Saudi laws. Every time I visit Saudi, I would notice relaxation of some or the other laws. Each time it seemed to have progressed from how I saw it last time."
Previously, women had to gain approval from a male guardian in order to obtain a passport. Women who did not have a passport of their own were instead given a page in their male guardians' passports - making it impossible for them to travel without a guardian.
Other changes now allow women to register a marriage, divorce or child's birth and to be issued official family documents. It also stipulates that a father or mother can be legal guardians of children.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai