Recent Reforms in Saudi Arabia

Very important political and cultural changes were introduced in the past few months in Saudi Arabia, which is considered the most conservative Arab and Islamic state. The changes were introduced by prince Mohamed bin Salman. Such changes were considered as quite daring political reforms.

The new political reforms are as important if not more than the Spring Revolution of 2010-2011, which took place in Arab World.

Prince Salman issued a firm order to the Islamic Wahabi conservative leadership to accept the new reforms or to keep their mouth shut.

Some of the first critical reforms was pertinent to women’s status and role, politically and socially.

First, Beit al ta9a law, whereby the husband has the authority to force his wife back to her home in case she left it due to disagreements with her husband.

Second, women were permitted to drive.

Third, women were allowed to apply for government jobs.

Fourth, women were permitted to participate in various sport events.

Such reforms broke the traditional religious and cultural barriers that prevented more than half of the Saudi population from exercising rights.

The above-mentioned reforms will ultimately lead to drastic changes in one of the most conservative Islamic state.

Furthermore, religious diversity was also taken into consideration. A Coptic Christian group was allowed to build their own church. This was never permitted previously.

Hence, changes were introduced in the economic, political as well as religious arena.

Such changes will enable the Saudi Arabian government, under the leadership of Prince Salman, to play a more effective political and economic role in the Arab world as well as worldwide.