Saudi man cancels wedding

A man in Saudi Arabia called off his wedding just minutes before the ceremony - after the bride's father requested him to allow his daughter to drive after marriage.

The father had demanded that his daughter get a driving licence and a car after the ban has been lifted in the country in June 2018, after which the groom quickly left the venue rejecting the request leaving his family behind, Arabic daily Al-Marsd reported.

It is noteworthy that the groom had agreed to a dowry of 40,000 riyals (Dh39,175; $10,666) as well as letting his wife-to-be continue working after getting married.

The demand shocked the man and he refused to accept it even after relatives tried to negotiate things further.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving.

The historic decision to allow women to drive won plaudits internationally, regionally and inside the kingdom last month.

The decree - issued by King Salman, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques - takes effect next June and is part of an ambitious reform push spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king's son and the architect of the reforms.

US President Donald Trump had welcomed the decision as 'a positive step toward promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Saudi Arabia'.

Until the rule comes into effect, Saudi Arabia is working on expanding licensing facilities and develop the infrastructure to accommodate millions of new motorists, according to state media.

Under the country's guardianship system, a male family member - normally the father, husband or brother - must grant permission for a woman's study, travel and other activities.

It was unclear whether women would require their guardian's permission to apply for driving licences.

Source: Khaleej Times