Lifting of Saudi women's driving ban 'a wonderful feeling of relief'
Deena al Nasser gets behind the wheel for the first time and says the experience was "a wonderful feeling of relief".
Monday 25 June 2018 11:18, UK
Women have hit the roads in Saudi Arabia after a longstanding driving ban in the conservative kingdom was lifted.
Deena al Nasser, a partners business manager for an IT company, tells Sky News what it was like to take her first drive and how it has raised her hopes for further change.
It was a mixture of excitement and strangeness. Driving in your city on very familiar roads that you have passed thousands of times as a passenger, and now as a driver.
But all in all it was a wonderful feeling of relief.
It will certainly make me more productive as I will be able to run errands myself and will not have to rely upon the availability of a driver.
Since my job requires me to attend many external meetings, it would definitely be easier for me to drive to those meetings myself.
It was a great day when I got my licence as my mother got hers on the same day. We both hold licences from the UAE and we replaced them with Saudi licences.
My father was with me on my very first time roaming the streets of Riyadh, taking videos and saying encouraging words.
And my friends from all over the world were extremely excited and happy when they saw me driving on the streets. I got many supportive messages and calls.
I have faith in the men of our society. I believe that they will not hesitate to help and give support when needed.
As for the ones who disagree, I tell them: "Exercise your right to freedom of opinion while I exercise my right to drive in my country."
I think this will help the Saudi society become more accepting and open-minded to the change we are experiencing now with our leadership's vision for the country, Vision 2030.
I hope to see more women in leadership positions and a minister very soon.