Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Tabuk to stage community events in lead-up to end of ban
Head of the General Department of Traffic says “events aim to enhance road safety and raise awareness of the driving environment”
RIYADH, June 21, 2018 – Community-oriented events to mark the lifting of the ban on women driving will kick off on Thursday, June 21, with the participation of government and civic organizations. The events will span three days in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Tabuk as part of the lead-up to women legally getting behind the wheel for the first time on June 24.
Taking place under the slogan Tawakkali wa Intaliqi (Have Faith and Drive), the events are designed to raise awareness of safe driving habits and how best to use the road safely. The gatherings will also provide an introduction to the Kingdom’s traffic laws through participatory activities and competitions for women and children.
Under the direct supervision of the General Department of Traffic, the events will take place in separate zones for women and children. In addition to providing information on road safety, presentations will educate participants on the mechanical features of cars and trucks and the importance of using seat belts. New drivers will also be able to check their skills on driving simulators as well as to participate in parking trials and safety-related educational and entertainment activities. Event sponsors include Saudi Etisalat, Saudi Aramco, Dallah Albaraka, and Al Hokair Group.
The historic decision in September 2017 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz to allow women to drive starting June 24 has been praised around the world. The decision is in line with the Vision 2030 blueprint for the future, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Women’s empowerment is an important element in Vision 2030 and the future of Saudi Arabia.
Major-General Mohammad Al-Bassami, Director General of the General Department of Traffic remarked, “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the generous decision to allow women to drive. “We hope that this marks the beginning of a new era of raising the Saudi family’s awareness of road safety and will educate young people about rules of the road in order to cut the number of traffic accidents and the subsequent human and economic losses they entail.
“We are keen to cooperate with our sponsors to organise these events, and to highlight the role of the family in enhancing road safety. This was pointed out by His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior when he affirmed that allowing women to drive will become an educational practice that would mitigate human and economic losses caused by accidents.”
The events will take place in several areas in each city, including Riyadh Park, Riyadh; the Waterfront on Dammam Corniche, Dammam; the gliding ground facing the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah; and King Abdulaziz Park, Tabuk.
