Saudi Arabia Will Now Allow Women To Drive For The First Time

Saudi Arabian women have been granted right to drive in the country for the first time after a royal decree lifted a long-standing ban.

King Salman issued the order on Tuesday allowing women to obtain driving licences in the Middle Eastern nation, state television announced.

Saudi Arabia was the only country left in the world where women were not permitted to drive.

The ultra-conservative kingdom had gained negative international attention for years after detaining women who defied the ban.

Women's rights activists had been pushing for the ban to be lifted since the 1990s.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia works to improve its image around the world.

It has long been under the spotlight over its records on equal rights.

The US welcomed the decision, with a State Department spokeswoman saying the country was "happy" with the development.

Heather Nauert said it was a "great step in the right direction for that country".