Vogue Arabia Cover Features Saudi Princess in Driving Seat

To mark the end of a ban on women driving, which comes into effect on June 24, Vogue Arabia features Saudi princess, in the driving seat. It is published just after a dozen women’s rights activists were arrested, for focusing anger over activists’ arrests.
The princess, Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud, is seen in a flowing white outfit completed with a matching headscarf, wearing leather gloves and high heels in the driver’s seat, as the ultra-conservative kingdom prepares to lift a driving ban on women.
Vogue Arabia’s editor-in-chief, Manuel Arnaut said: “Her Royal Highness is a generous woman with a truly elegant and noble presence, and the daughter of the late King Abdullah, a beloved ruler of Saudi Arabia.
“I was deeply honoured when she accepted our invitation to grace our June cover.
The issue is dedicated to the “trailblazing women of Saudi Arabia” and lauds the reforms launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to loosen social restrictions in the conservative kingdom and curb the powers of religious hardliners.
But the image was criticised by campaigners protesting at the arrests in May of at least 11 women campaigners for the right to drive and to end Saudi’s male guardianship system.
At least four of those activists were released last week, Amnesty International said, but the fate of the others remains unclear.
“In our country, there are some conservatives who fear change. For many, it’s all they have known,” Princess Hayfa, daughter of the late King Abdullah, was quoted as saying in the magazine.
“Personally, I support these changes with great enthusiasm,” added the princess, whose cover photo was shot in the desert outside the western city of Jeddah.
>Juthy Saha