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Saudi women furious at costs pricing them out of historic chance to drive | |
(about 17 hours later) | |
Saudi women are up in arms over the cost of driving lessons - a financial hurdle that many believe could stop females from taking to the roads for the first time ever when historic legislation passes. | Saudi women are up in arms over the cost of driving lessons - a financial hurdle that many believe could stop females from taking to the roads for the first time ever when historic legislation passes. |
Women were banned from the roads in Saudi Arabia up until September last year, when a royal decree declared that females would legally be allowed to own a driving licence. | Women were banned from the roads in Saudi Arabia up until September last year, when a royal decree declared that females would legally be allowed to own a driving licence. |
In the past, women have reportedly been jailed for breaking the cultural code. In July last year, human rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was arrested outside King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Al-Hathloul had previously attempted to drive from the United Arab Emirates into Saudi Arabia. | In the past, women have reportedly been jailed for breaking the cultural code. In July last year, human rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was arrested outside King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Al-Hathloul had previously attempted to drive from the United Arab Emirates into Saudi Arabia. |
According to local news, a date has now been set for the historic moment in women’s history - June 24 - with General Mohammed al-Bassami, the director of the Department of Traffic, quoted as saying that “all the requirements for women to start driving have been established.” | According to local news, a date has now been set for the historic moment in women’s history - June 24 - with General Mohammed al-Bassami, the director of the Department of Traffic, quoted as saying that “all the requirements for women to start driving have been established.” |
However, while they may soon be equal in terms of driving law, many have reportedly pointed out the disparity in driving lesson costs between women and men. | However, while they may soon be equal in terms of driving law, many have reportedly pointed out the disparity in driving lesson costs between women and men. |
Gulf News, an English language newspaper based in Dubai, reports that driving license fees for women could rise to 5,000 Saudi Riyal, the equivalent of around $1,330. | Gulf News, an English language newspaper based in Dubai, reports that driving license fees for women could rise to 5,000 Saudi Riyal, the equivalent of around $1,330. |
In contrast, men can expect to pay just 450 Saudi Riyal for driving lessons with a teacher, the report adds. Saudi women have since taken to social media to express their fury at the premium they must pay to drive. | In contrast, men can expect to pay just 450 Saudi Riyal for driving lessons with a teacher, the report adds. Saudi women have since taken to social media to express their fury at the premium they must pay to drive. |
“I’m angry at the prices of driving license,” said Twitter user Basmah, who is based in Riyadh. | “I’m angry at the prices of driving license,” said Twitter user Basmah, who is based in Riyadh. |
Another described the cost as “very expensive.” “[It] will greatly limit women’s interest in driving the car,” they said. | Another described the cost as “very expensive.” “[It] will greatly limit women’s interest in driving the car,” they said. |
“Instead of giving satisfaction to the Saudi girls… they raised the driver’s license amounts exponentially,” another social media commenter stated. | “Instead of giving satisfaction to the Saudi girls… they raised the driver’s license amounts exponentially,” another social media commenter stated. |
Amid the online uproar, the Saudi government has promised to look at the price issues. | Amid the online uproar, the Saudi government has promised to look at the price issues. |
Dr. Fatima Al Nasrallah, a surgeon based in Riyadh, posted details about the process and how training and theory tests cost her more than 2,500 Saudi Riyal. | Dr. Fatima Al Nasrallah, a surgeon based in Riyadh, posted details about the process and how training and theory tests cost her more than 2,500 Saudi Riyal. |
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