Jiddah, Saudi Arabia • With her husband in the passenger seat and her daughter cheering her on, Dania Alagili guided her sport utility vehicle onto the King Abdulaziz Road early Sunday, breaking a social barrier as she braved the roaring Saudi traffic.
Saudi Arabia allowed women to drive for the first time on Sunday, lifting a ban that was the last of its kind in the world and one that had come to symbolize the kingdom’s harsh subjugation of women.
In an effort to modernize the country and boost its economy, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has eased some social restrictions.