For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, the authorities admitted women to the management of Muslim shrines. The General Chairman of the Main Directorate for the Affairs of two shrines Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais (Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais) announced the appointment of two women – Anud Al-Abud and Fatima Ar-Rashid – with its help on the development of contacts with the female audience. It is reported by TV channel “Al-Arabia”.
In addition, the General Chairman has raised the launch of a special program to prepare 320 girls-serving mosques, in order to improve the quality of the reception of pilgrims. “We do it in order to attract qualified personnel, ready to work for the benefit of the management. We want to expand the rights and capabilities of talented girls,” the referee noted.
In a conversation with the TV channel “Al-Hurra” Saudi religion science Muhammad Abu Hafs called this decision “a serious step”, explaining that earlier in such a conservative state, as Saudi Arabia, it was impossible to present similar appointments.
The Main Department of Chief Affairs is an important institution in the Saudi state. Since 1986, the rulers of the country have the official title of “minister of two shrines”. These include Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet Mosque in Medina, considered the main shrines of Muslims.
Liberalization of public life in the kingdom is related to a large-scale SAUDI Vision 2030 reform program designed to open the country to the world and diversify the economy.