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  Newsmakers   13 Jan 2018  Saudi allows women to watch soccer match in stadium for first time

Saudi allows women to watch soccer match in stadium for first time

ANI
Published : Jan 13, 2018, 9:38 am IST
Updated : Jan 13, 2018, 9:38 am IST

This easing of the strict gender segregation was announced as a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious reforms.

The women were segregated in the stands from the male-only crowd with designated seating in the so-called 'family section.' (Representational Image)
 The women were segregated in the stands from the male-only crowd with designated seating in the so-called 'family section.' (Representational Image)

Washington: For the first time, women in Saudi Arabia entered a sports stadium to watch a soccer match between two local teams in Jeddah.

However, the women were segregated in the stands from the male-only crowd with designated seating in the so-called "family section" at King Abdullah Sports City stadium, media reported.

This easing of the strict gender segregation was announced in October 2017, as a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious reforms to modernise Saudi society and boost the economy.

The order opened the previously male-only venues of King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam to accommodate families.

The Saudi General Sports Authority said that it had made all the necessary preparations to create an attractive sports environment for families and to ensure their privacy.

Saudi Arabia, which was the only country in the world to forbid female drivers, last year also allowed women to drive in the country.

Tags: salman of saudi arabia, saudi general sports authority, king abdullah sports city stadium
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington