:: Male and female scholars endorsed the royal decree to issue driving licenses to both Saudi men and women, in an attempt to put an end to the criticism over Saudi Arabia’s repression of women’s rights.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that they commented that the royal decree was issued in the context of King’s Salman concern over the nation’s interests, in accordance with Vision 2030, which focuses mainly on developing society to be a solid base to build a strong economy and an ambitious nation.

Prince Naif bin Thanian bin Mohammed, dean of literature at King Saud University said: “King Salman has always sought to support the Saudi woman’s rights in all fields, so she was finally able to fill some leadership positions, participate in municipal elections as a voter and a candidate, and establish herself as an effective member of society.”

The prince added that the royal decree shows how much the Saudi leadership cares about Saudi women, which complements men in some social positions. He pointed out that king relied on the Council of Senior Scholars that endorsed the royal decree by a majority of its members. Saudi Arabia, since its establishment by King Abdul Aziz, has always been ruled according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, he added.

This decision is highly beneficial to the economic, social and security fields and will be positively reflected in the complementary roles of men and women in the nation’s development.

Ali bin Dabkal Al-Anzy, the head of media at King Saud University, said that the royal decree issued today is a historic decision which will boost the participation of Saudi woman in society according to Shariah Law. This is one of the reform steps ordered by king to develop and build the future of the Kingdom.

He stressed that the royal decree was issued only after it was endorsed by the Council of Senior Scholars and well-studied religiously to preserve society’s safety and security.

Saudi society, under the reign of King Salman, is taking fast-tracked steps of development and evolvement toward a bright future, he added.

Amal Al-Hizani, a member of the faculty of teaching at King Saud University, said: “This historic decision under King Salman’s reign will enhance and improve women’s role in many different national fields.”

She said that what makes this decision so special is that it was endorsed by the Council of Senior Scholars and will be applied according the Shariah Law.

Another member of the faculty, Hind bin Awad Al-Withnani, expressed her joy and praised King Salman who supported women’s roles in all different fields to ensure their participation in social development.

She pointed out that this decision underlines the leadership’s awareness about the importance of the woman’s role as an initial partner in social development and as a mother at home preparing generations and teaching them the values and traditions.

A member of the journalism faculty board, Nahed Bashtah, praised the royal decree and stressed its importance at the economic, social and political levels. “The decision is a result of our leaders’ concern to enhance the Saudi woman’s role in society in accordance with the Shariah Law,” she added.

She pointed out that King Salman, by taking this decision, is confirming the capacity of Saudi women to effectively participate in the nation’s development, especially since she has excelled in various fields, locally and internationally.