British Broadcasting Cooperation BBC and Cable News Network CNN reported this week that the Saudi government launched a football league for women widening sports activities for women in the country.

With the establishment of the Sports Ministry recently, among 2 other ministries, in addition to increasing sports facilities, activities, possibilities for women, making it a compulsory subject at school and addition to the many sport events that have been/are taking place in the Kingdom lately, it looks like sports is an area that will play a significant role in the diversification of the Saudi Arabian economy.

Saudis have been enjoying the benefits of the Internet since it was made available in the Kingdom in the late 1990s. As elsewhere in the world, Saudis now make a large part of their purchases online, perhaps even more enthusiastically than most.

I came across this link thinking that five years ago one could not have imagined such steps coming true. Hopefully, these and other planned reforms will allow young and old female talents to grow and find their chances on a level playing field.

This week the Saudi minister for Municipalities Affairs and Urban in Charge, Majid Al Qasabi, issued a decree. This decree ordered all event managers and restaurant owners to register with charities so the food doesn’t go to waste. 

This step was introduced to utilize the food that is usually left after a big event or by restaurants. It also aims to increase awareness amongst the Saudi public regarding the importance of resources.

A hashtag in Arabic reading #systemforserviceneedstochange was widely mentioned among Saudi Twitter users this week. The hashtag highlighted the problems the Saudi military staff face. Users listed the disadvantages of the old regulations governing the armed forces.

World Bank ranks Saudi Arabia as top reformer on women's rights at work Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/world-bank-ranks-saudi-arabia-as-top-reformer-on-women-s-rights-at-work-1.964935 

The pictures above show the Dahr mountain in north of Saudi Arabia. Most parts in this area, which includes Hail and Al Jouf, are covered by snow in winter.

Most of the central and northern parts of Saudi Arabia go through harsh, cold winters. Most people living abroad do not know about the seasonal weather changes here, and that it snows in Saudi Arabia.

The 42nd Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia route was announced this month. After 30 years of adventures in Africa and 10 years of excitement in South America, the rally will take place for the first time in Asia. Among the drivers, are 13 women on the challenging route to drive. This week, Burj Khalifa in Dubai displayed images of the Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia. Of the 7,500 km route, 5000 km will be driving against the clock.

Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/saudi-arabia-says-businesses-and-shops-to-open-24-hours-1.957599 

This month, the Saudi government has canceled the rule for the segregation of single men and women in restaurants. For many years it was claimed that the rule was in place to protect women, which recently sparked a fierce discussion on social media – like many such recent rule changes. http://www.dailyjournal.net/2019/12/08/ml-saudi-sex-segregation/ .