Cheers and Catcalls as Saudis Greet End of Ban on Women Drivers

  • ‘Freedom is all I can think about right now,’ one student says
  • Activists thank those who participated in 1990s campaign

Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Women Drivers

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Millions of smartphones across Saudi Arabia pinged non-stop with words of disbelief and congratulations after the surprise announcement that the kingdom will remove the ban on women driving.

“It’s amazing,” said 20-year-old Reyouf Almuhaya, a college student, speaking by phone from Riyadh. “I might have cried a little. It feels good. It feels free. Freedom is all I can think about right now.”