June 24 has finally arrived! Saudi women hit the road at the stroke of midnight to FINALLY be in the driving seat. A long-waited dream has officially come true and photos and videos of women driving set the internet on fire since the break of dawn.
واخيراً!
الآن الساعة 12:01 من صباح يوم #عشرة_عشرة مع ابنتي ريم وهي تسوق بي وحفيداتي في #الرياض#المراه_السعوديه_تسوقFinally,
First ride with my daughter @Reem_Alwaleed while she’s driving me and my grand daughters in Riyadh#SaudiWomenDriving pic.twitter.com/rXHPUx79fu— الوليد بن طلال (@Alwaleed_Talal) June 23, 2018
This historic move comes as part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s plan to create a more modern Saudi Arabia. Here’s a reverse timeline of everything else happening in the Kingdom, again:
June 24: Women can officially drive
Saudi women are officially able to sit in the driving seat, ending the decades-long ban. The Kingdom went to great lengths preparing for this historic day, including issuing licenses, and much more!
April 18: Cinemas open
After a 35-year ban, an AMC Cinema opened its doors for a gala screening of the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther. Also, American giant AMC Entertainment is expected to open 40 cinemas across 15 Saudi cities in the next five years! Check out the list of the movies that have already aired.
April 10: The first fashion show is launched
Cosmo sat FROW and centre at the very first Fashion Week and it was ah-maaazing. The first edition of the Arab Fashion Week had the who’s who from all over the GCC in attendance with world famous designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli showcasing their collections. And there’s a second edition tentatively scheduled for October this year!
March 21: Women no longer need to wear The Abaya
Wearing an Abaya has been compulsory for decades in Saudi Arabia. But in a recent interview with CBS television, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman said: “The laws are very clear and stipulated in the laws of Sharia (Islamic law): that women wear decent, respectful clothing, like men.” Well, that says it all!
Jan 12: Women allowed in sports stadiums
For years, female Saudi sports fans could only cheer their team from the comfort of their living room. But that won’t be the case anymore; last October, the kingdom’s General Sports Authority announced that stadiums in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam would allow for family visits.
بالصور.. العائلات في الملاعب السعودية https://t.co/ACW1DOBjZ1 #عكاظ #الجوهرة_المشعة#الاهلي_الباطن#الدوري_السعودي_للمحترفين#ملعب_الجوهرة
— صحيفة عكاظ (@OKAZ_online) January 12, 2018
Dec 6, 2017: Public concerts & live performances allowed
What made the first public concert even more historic was the fact that it was performed by FEMALE Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji. Other amazing artists who proceeded to perform include R&B singer Nelly and Egyptian singer Tamer Hosny. We can’t wait to see who comes next.