What further social liberalisations has Saudi Arabia introduced recently?

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Saudi Arabia Continues Social Liberalisation with Easing of Restaurant Regulations

Saudi Arabia has recently eliminated the requirement for gender-segregated entrances at restaurants and cafes, marking another step in its ongoing social reform efforts. This change, announced by the ministry of municipalities and rural affairs, removes a long-standing rule that mandated separate entrances for single men and for women and families. While internal seating arrangements may still be segregated into "family" and "singles" sections, the removal of distinct external entrances signifies a broader trend towards modernising the kingdom's social landscape.
Elimination of Gender-Segregated Entrances

Previously, eateries in Saudi Arabia were obliged to maintain separate entrances for single men and for women and families. This regulation was a visible manifestation of the strict gender segregation that had been enforced for decades, often by the once-powerful religious police. The ministry of municipalities and rural affairs officially announced the discontinuation of this and several other requirements for restaurants on Twitter, signifying a direct governmental directive to alter these public-facing regulations.
Ongoing Modernisation Drive

The lifting of the segregated entrance rule is part of a wider modernisation drive spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This initiative aims to project a more moderate and business-friendly image of Saudi Arabia to attract foreign investment. The Crown Prince has been instrumental in introducing significant social changes, including permitting mixed-gender music concerts and ending long-standing prohibitions on cinemas and on women driving.
Diminished Influence of Religious Police

Accompanying these social reforms has been a noticeable reduction in the influence and powers of the religious police, who were previously responsible for enforcing strict sex segregation in public spaces. While these enforcers of public morality once instilled widespread fear, their presence and authority have significantly waned. This shift in power has facilitated the implementation of many of the recent liberalisations, allowing for greater social interaction between genders.

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What further social liberalisations has Saudi Arabia introduced recently?

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