It’s not exactly been a secret, but neither has it been previously highlighted in the media, but thousands of Saudi women drive cars every day in Saudi Arabia… within the compounds of Saudi ARAMCO. Women have been driving there for over 30 years, according to this Saudi Gazette report. Actually, it’s been longer than that, likely more than 50 years. But, as the saying goes, ‘If the media didn’t report it, did it really happen?’

Now the Saudi media is reporting it and reporting that Saudi women are doing just fine behind the wheel. The number of Saudi women driving has increased since ARAMCO had a discussion with the Shoura Council—apparently to receive official word that women’s driving isn’t illegal.

The women are being treated as autonomous adults. They drive to work, to bring their kids to school, to attend social events. Just as women do in the rest of the world. The only anomalous thing is that, according to the report, 90% of the Saudi women drive while wearing veils. While I understand the role of the veil in Saudi society, I think that this represents a needless driving hazard. But a step toward giving women their own lives behind the wheel is certainly enough of a step to merit applause.

Saudi Gazette deserves applause, too, for showing how perfectly ordinary women’s driving can be, and Saudi ARAMCO for making it happen.

Aramco women espouse virtues of driving

DAMMAM – Women drivers at the Saudi Aramco compound in the Eastern Province are estimated to number some 3,000, and residents say that around half of them are Saudis.

Company regulations, Saudi ladies told Al-Watan Arabic newspaper, have made permission for women to drive inside the enclosure a success as female employees and wives of Aramco workers transport themselves to work and their children to school in a safe environment. Driving instruction is provided for women wishing to learn to drive.

Saudi ladies living on the compound said that Aramco rules first allowed women to drive in its residential districts 30 years ago. “Women here are good drivers,” one Saudi woman told Al-Watan.

“Saudi women here lead a social life similar to that of other Saudis, including attending Holy Quran memorization courses and social visits. The only difference is that you live your life without other people monitoring you.”
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