Women-only car exhibition opens in Saudi

A three-day women-only car show opened in Saudi Arabia, amid preparations to lift the ban on women driving on June 24.

The exhibition, the first of its kind, aims at providing special education on driving and vehicle selection to women, Saudi Gazette reported.

The event, which is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors, will allow women to get an update about car dealerships in Saudi Arabia and their special offers.

Women will also be introduced to promotional offers provided by insurance companies and accessories for cars and to communicate directly with government and private supporting agencies.

In September 2017, a royal decree announced the end of a decades-long ban on women driving.

Women 18 years of age and older will be allowed to apply for a driver’s licence, General Department of Traffic director general Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al Bassami said.

Driving schools for women have been set up across five cities in the kingdom, and teachers will include Saudi women who obtained their licences abroad.

Women with foreign driving licences will be able to apply for a local one through a separate process, which will also assess their driving skills.