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A look at Mohammed Bin Salman's reforms in Saudi Arabia

The ongoing reforms are part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' plan which aims to build an economy which is not singularly dependent on oil and emphasise on growth in tourism and entertainment sector.

September 27, 2017 / 11:58 IST

In a historic decree, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced easing of restriction on women driving.

A royal decree was also issued to enable Saudi women to get a driving licence, allowing them to drive.

A committee has also been formed to implement the order and is expected to present recommendations within 30 days.

Following which, the government will have to implement the decree until June 24, 2018.

The permission for women to drive comes at a time when the country has been undertaking reforms.

The ongoing reforms are part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' plan. The plan is to build an economy which is not singularly dependent on oil and emphasise on growth in tourism and entertainment sector.

Saudi women allowed inside the stadium

On September 23, Saudi women were allowed inside the national stadium for the first time to join celebrations marking the Kingdom's 87th National Day.

Hundreds of female spectators were seated with their families, away from single men during the music event inside the King Fahd stadium which usually sees all-male crowds for football matches, in the country's capital Riyadh.

Investment in entertainment

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund said on September 20, it plans to set up a company that would invest in the entertainment sector.

The oil-rich kingdom wants its citizens to have more fun at home instead of taking vacations abroad.

Currently, public cinemas are banned in the conservative kingdom.

Saudi's new recreation cities

In April, the Kingdom confirmed that it would build a 334-square kilometre city to the south of Riyadh, which would be dedicated to sports, culture and entertainment. It would include recreational facilities, a safari and a Six Flags theme park.

The Kingdom is also constructing resorts on an approximately 150 kilometres stretch of its western coastline. The project is being funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

first published: Sep 27, 2017 11:58 am

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