Jeddah, Mar 10 (Arab News): King Saud University (KSU) on Friday inaugurated the three-day forum on safety for women drivers, under the theme of “The First Time,” in the presence of Princess Nourah bint Mohammed.

KSU Vice Chancellor for Female Students Dr. Inas bint Suleiman Al-Issa said the cultural forum is a response to the royal decree allowing women to drive. She added it revitalizes the university’s role in society as it helps to raise awareness and disseminate the regulations and laws issued by the state’s bodies. The change in the law on women driving comes into effect in June this year.

Al-Issa expressed thanks to the forum’s participants and supporters and praised their contribution to the success of the forum.

The forum includes a scientific program that discusses the psychological and social readiness of women to drive under the supervision of the elite of the university’s teaching personnel. It will also include family-oriented entertainment events.

This forum is considered as the biggest platform of the bodies supporting women’s driving with the participation of governmental entities such as the General Directorate of Traffic, the Ministry of Transport, Riyadh Secretariat, Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), the Saudi Council of Engineers, insurance companies, fuel station companies, medical centers and car companies.

The forum aims to inculcate the culture of women driving, and introduce an educational and cultural experience toward-safe driving in an entertaining atmosphere. The forum allows women to learn the traffic laws and how to get driving licenses. It will also include talks with KSU’s best academics.

Entry to the three-day event is free. The forum will include entertainment events, and space will be set aside in which children can play and draw.

Noha Turki Al-Mala, a member of the Saudi Society for Traffic Safety, said the society aims to develop the practical side of safety.