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Saudi Arabia 'lifts ban' on women driving

Saudi Arabia 'lifts ban' on women driving
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By Chris Harris
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Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving is to be lifted next year, reports suggest.

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Women will be able drive in Saudi Arabia from next year, it’s been reported.

Saudi King Salman issued a decree on Tuesday ordering that women be allowed on the roads, state media reported.

The conservative Islamic kingdom was the only country in the world to prohibit women from being behind the wheel.

The royal decree ordered the formation of a ministerial body to give advice within 30 days and then implement the order by June 2018, according to state news agency SPA.

Under Saudi law, which enforces a strict form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, women must adhere to a strict dress code.

They must also seek written permission from a male guardian to travel, work or access healthcare.

King Salman launched a three-month review into male guardianship in April and said women should not face restrictions in accessing government services, unless existing laws require it.

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