UAE residents and citizens have voiced their support of a decree issued by King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday allowing women to drive.
The royal order is set to come into force on June 24 next year but the nine-month wait did not deter Emiratis and UAE expats from celebrating the decision on social media.
"So happy for our Saudi sisters, it's an overdue basic human right," said Amal AlB, a graphic designer based in Dubai.
So happy for our Saudi sisters, it's an overdue basic human right 💚 #SaudiWomenCanDrive
— amal AlB (@amalAlB) September 27, 2017
"What happened last night was historical. I am still high from it. Congrats again Saudi girls," said @BambiDubai, an Emirati based in Dubai.
Sarah Jaimie Hay, an expat also in Dubai, tweeted on Wednesday "It's really wonderful to wake up and think about how many women's lives will be enhanced by Saudi's news #SaudiWomenCanDrive."
Kanika Kumar, an Indian expat who lives in Dubai, congratulated all Saudi women, saying the decree was only the beginning.
It’s a great day for Saudi Women I congratulate all my sisters there.
— Kanika Bajaj (@nskathy) September 27, 2017
Drive on girls, it’s just a beginning keep driving.
Ranya Afifi, director of The Economist Intelligence Unit's Corporate Network programmes in the Middle East, said the decree would mean great things for the Kingdom's economy.
Finally! Great news for the Saudi economy! pic.twitter.com/LWpvWFxvwA
— Economist Corporate Network Middle East (@ecn_me) September 27, 2017
Nancy Merheb, a human rights advocate based between Dubai and Beirut also chimed in, acknowledging the efforts of fellow activists in the Kingdom who fought for women's right to drive.
Congrats to #Saudi Women and kudos to the activists who've fought so long for this 🎊#SaudiWomenCanDrive #الملك__ينتصر_لقيادة_المرأة pic.twitter.com/0UlLV0IlJu
— Nancy Merheb (@NansM) September 27, 2017
Messages of support came from both men and women with a resident of Dubai, Elias Azar, saying "Human history needs more days like this."
Human history needs more days like this. Well done Saudi woman
— aazzar (@EliasAzar) September 27, 2017
Others invited Saudi women to the UAE to show off their driving skills in Dubai. "One gazillion congrats so (sic) all the women in #Saudi who can now finally drive!! Anyone coming to #Dubai we can go for a cruise and test drive," said YouTube personality Haifa Beseisso, who is based in Dubai.
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