Saudi car show puts women in driving seat

RIYADH: A car show in the Saudi capital is drawing in many women, who from next month will be allowed to drive in the kingdom as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman´s modernisation plans.

The event also attracted banks ready to offer financing for women buyers. "Anything related to cars these days is attracting Saudi Arabian women. I want to know more about cars and prices," said Shaimaa al-Fadl as she climbed into a car at the exhibition and adjusted the rear-view mirror.

The royal decree will end a conservative tradition seen by activists as an emblem of the Muslim kingdom´s repression of women. The decision could change the lifestyles of millions of women. About 10 million women over the age of 20 live in Saudi Arabia, a number that includes foreigners, though it may take years for women drivers to be a major presence on roads.