Riyadh university launches 1st driving course for women

By Ahmed al-Masri

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Riyadh’s Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University on Thursday announced the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever driving course for women.

“In conjunction with International Women's Day, Princess Nora University has officially launched a pilot program to teach women to drive,” the university tweeted.

University Director Huda al-Ameel said 150 female driving teachers had already been trained to give the courses.

According to al-Ameel, more than 54,000 Saudi women have already signed up to take part in the program.

Last September, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz issued a decree allowing women -- for the first time in the kingdom’s history -- to drive and obtain driver's licenses.