Saudi Women Prepare To Drive As Ban Nears End

A woman who is wearing a traditional Muslim niqab tries out a car driving simulator during an outdoor educational driving event for women as other women look on on June 21, 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is scheduled to lift its ban on women driving, which has been in place since 1957, on June 24. The Saudi government, under Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, is phasing in an ongoing series of reforms to both diversify the Saudi economy and to liberalize its society. The reforms also seek to empower women by restoring them basic legal rights, allowing them increasing independence and encouraging their participation in the workforce. Saudi Arabia is among the most conservative countries in the world and women have traditionally had much fewer rights than men. (Footage by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)