Saudi Arabia, a country people thought would never change due to the significance and value placed on traditions and religion, has proven otherwise...
Some momentous changes have occurred since the beginning of 2010, leading up to the >Saudi Vision 2030 that was introduced by King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, and his son, the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.
Below is a timeline of all the positive changes that have happened within the Kingdom since 2010:
1. Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line opened in Mecca (2010)
The Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line was opened in Mecca. The 18.1 kilometers long metro line connects the holy cities of Mecca, Arafat, Al Muzdalifa, and Mina.
2. Saudi women were given right to vote and stand in elections (2011)
King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud gave Saudi women the right to vote, run in the upcoming municipal elections, and be appointed as members of the Shura Council.
3. Saudi women were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time (2012)
Saudi women were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time in the history of the country.
At the time, not all religious men were with the idea of women competing, even though they were dressed modestly.
4. Tallest clock tower in the world was completed (2012)
Abraj Al Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, was completed. It is considered the tallest clock tower in the world, with the world’s largest clock face – 46 meters in diameter.
5. For the first time, women were sworn into the Shura Council (2013)
30 women were sworn into the Shura Council, making this the first time women were allowed and able to hold political office in the ultraconservative country.
6. Historic move allowed women to finally register and stand in the local elections (2015)
After being given the right to vote in 2011, women finally got the chance to register and stand in the local elections, which was a truly historic moment for Saudi Arabia.
7. Religious police were stripped of their arresting powers (2016)
The religious police were stripped of their arresting powers. Up until that point, they had the right to act high and mighty, they are now only allowed to respectfully approach citizens when asking them to, for example, cover their hair...
8. King Salman loosened the guardianship laws (2017)
Some of the most pronounced rules in Saudi Arabia are the guardianship laws. In 2017, King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz decided to loosen the guardianship laws, allowing women to make decisions for themselves without having to consult with a male guardian when choosing to go to college or traveling.
9. Women finally win the right to drive (2017)
The most recent and major change since women obtained the right to vote is the lifting of the ban on women driving.
By June of 2018, >women should finally be able to get driving licenses and cars in Saudi Arabia.
Women in the Kingdom have been >fighting for their right to drive for decades.