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Saudi Arabia Will Soon Allow Women Into 3 Major Sports Stadiums

The kingdom's General Sports Authority said Sunday that stadiums in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh are preparing to "accommodate families" in early 2018.

Saudi Arabia Will Soon Allow Women Into 3 Major Sports Stadiums
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Starting next year, women in Saudi Arabia can attend sporting events in three major stadiums for the first time.

The kingdom's General Sports Authority said Sunday that stadiums in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh are preparing to "accommodate families" in early 2018.

It's still unclear how seating arrangements will work. As The Washington Post notes, Saudi men and women are still separated in many public places.

Women's Rights In Saudi Arabia: Slow But Steady Progress
Women's Rights In Saudi Arabia: Slow But Steady Progress

Women's Rights In Saudi Arabia: Slow But Steady Progress

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But the recently promoted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to see big changes in the country. He's tried to ease some restrictions on women as part of his efforts to overhaul the economy and decrease its dependence on oil revenue.

One of the first big changes came last month when a decree from King Salman reversed the country's longstanding ban on female drivers.

And the government said it wants to increase the number of working women by 2030.