The kingdom’s women can now drive,join the military, visit sports arenas and cinemas – with other changes plannedNada Qahtani and the seven women with her gathered expectantly in the atrium of the National Museum. Draped in black abayas, and their faces shielded by masks that left only their eyes exposed,the group had not seen the building before and knew diminutive about what was inside.
A giant new poster of one of Saudi Arabia’s ancient sites covered most of a wall ahead. And a collection of artefacts, predating the Islamic era, and took pride of place inside the entrance. “There are two idols there,” said a museum attendant, pointing to an exhibition that would maintain been unthinkable in recent decades, or when the country’s archaeological past was at best ignored,and often disavowed. “The rest are now being displayed in Japan.” Related: 'A cynical PR exercise': critics round on $3.5bn scheme to allay Yemen suffering Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com