RIYADH: Rima settles in a chair at an upscale Riyadh cafe, looks around carefully and, seeing no one she recognises, drags on her electronic cigarette before exhaling a cloud of smoke. “I feel that smoking in public is a part of exercising my newly won freedoms. I am happy that now I can choose,” the 27-year-old Saudi who works for a private company in the capital told AFP.
Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation. The sight of women smoking in public has become much more common in recent months, an unthinkable prospect before the introduction of sweeping reforms in the kingdom. The kingdom´s ambitious de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has rolled out an array of economic and social innovations to project a moderate, business-friendly image.
Women are now allowed to drive, attend public sporting events and concerts, or obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian. Rima, who started smoking two years ago, dismisses concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco, but is worried her family will find out. She says she is prepared for a showdown. “I won´t tell them that this is about my personal liberty, because they won´t understand that women are free to smoke like men,” said Rima, dressed in a traditional black abaya with gold embroidery matching the hijab that covered her hair.
Storm warnings for high winds, heavy rain and hail also were issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday
The Public and Commercial Services union said more than 300 members of staff would stop working early on Monday
Macron has been more strident on defence issues recently
His spokesperson said Harry would attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 to celebrate the...
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would never cede territories seized from Ukraine in exchange...
The transition council took power in a ceremony on Thursday, formalizing the resignation of former Prime Minster Ariel...