New Regulation in Saudi Arabia; Women and Men Who's not Married Yet May Go to Public Places Together

Citra

Monday, Dec 09, 2019 | 02:23 pm

Photo : Internet

Women in Saudi Arabia will no longer use separate entrances from men or sit behind barriers in restaurants.

The decision basically ended the rule of gender segregation in public. The regulation was announced on Sunday by the Ministry of City and Rural Affairs.

Throughout Saudi Arabia before, unmarried men and women were not permitted to mix in public, including in government-run schools.

Whereas in restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia, including major Western chains such as Starbucks, they are also separated by female and male barriers.

However, in recent years, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been pushing for social reform by allowing women and men to attend concerts and cinemas that are not tied to marriage. This was formerly prohibited and overseen by the religious police. However, the Crown Prince also limited the power of the religious police in the country. Today, the religious police have the duty to uphold conservative social norms, such as gender segregation in public.

Two years ago, women were allowed for the first time to attend sporting events at the stadium in the "family" section. Young girls in recent years have also been permitted to access physical education and sports in schools, a right that only boys have. was given.

In August, the kingdom lifted a travel ban by allowing all citizens - women and men - to apply for a passport and travel freely, ending the long-standing guardianship policy.

The statement was intended to attract investment and create greater business opportunities.

Now, new rules regarding the removal of restrictions in public places have been announced, but there is no statement that the restaurant or cafe must terminate the separate entrance. Many families in conservative plots of the country may prefer to eat in restaurants with separate spaces.

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