Let’s celebrate #WorldDrivingDay.
Saudi Arabia’s first female driver is now. The Kingdom announced this move last September as part of its efforts to erase the negative reputation it has for repressing women’s human rights. This includes the reopening of public cinemas and the lifting of the ban on music concerts. There are also plans to allow women into sporting stadiums.
Aseel Al Hamad, a woman racer, laps a Saudi Arabian race track in a F Type to celebrate the occasion. Al Hamad is very emotional as it is her first time driving a car in her country and more importantly, on a track. Al Hamad is the first woman to be elected to the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation’s board. She also serves as the Saudi Arabian representative on the Women in Motorsport Commission of the FIA.
The collaboration with Jaguar kicks off World Driving Day, which celebrates the freedom of women all around the globe to drive. Saudi Arabia was the only country that had ever banned women from driving motor vehicles.
Saudi Arabia has made significant changes to its automotive market since the ban was reversed. In January 2018, the Kingdom’s first woman-only car dealership was opened. Times reported earlier in the month that the first ten female driver’s licenses were issued. The ten women who received their international driving licenses had not previously done so in their home countries. An additional 2,000 women will join the first ten who all passed driving courses at all-female universities.
“I have loved cars since childhood, so today is very emotional for me. This is my best driving moment. A lap of honour in my country, Jaguar F-TYPE, was the best way to start World Driving Day. It is the ultimate car to roar around track in. Aseel Al Hamad said, “I hope people around the globe will join in our joy today and share their most memorable driving stories using #worlddrivingday.”