Three stadiums ready to receive families in early 2018

Riyadh : Saudi Arabia will allow families into three sports stadiums for the first time from next year, authorities said Sunday, in a landmark move that would open up the previously male-only venues to families.

The announcement is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious reform drive shaking up the kingdom, including the decision to allow women to drive from next June.

“Starting the preparation of three stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman to be ready to accommodate families from early 2018,” the General Sports Authority said on Twitter.

Last month authorities allowed hundreds of women to throng a sports stadium in Riyadh, used mostly for football matches, for the first time to mark Saudi Arabia’s national day.

Saudi Arabia is changing rules as part of its “Vision 2030” plan for economic and social reforms, which aims to boost female employment.