Saudi Plans to Implement 'No Male Guardian' Rule for Umrah by Ramadan
In a significant step towards modernizing Saudi society, the Kingdom has announced that women will no longer need a male guardian to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. This decision, authorized by Saudi authorities, could be implemented before the next Ramadan season.
The change represents a shift from past restrictions that tied women's travel rights to guardian approval. This move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader liberalization drive under Vision 2030, aiming to promote women's economic participation, open the Kingdom culturally and socially, and modernize Saudi society.
Lifting the male guardian requirement aligns religious practices with evolving social norms and technological advances in travel safety, reflecting a reformist interpretation of Islamic law supported by many Saudi clerics. The reforms also support Saudi Arabia's strategic positioning as a more inclusive, globalized society while maintaining respect for Islamic values.
Women aged 18 and above can now travel independently for Umrah, though some regulations recommend traveling in groups for safety and comfort. The Kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe. However, they will be required to wear "modest clothing."
This relaxation of rules on women performing Umrah independently both illustrates and contributes to the Crown Prince’s agenda of social modernization and expanding women's rights in the Kingdom.
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This decision could potentially deter foreign visitors due to international criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi and a crackdown on female activists. However, the launch of a visa programme allowing holidaymakers from 49 countries to visit the country indicates a push towards increased tourism.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, March 21). Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women performing Umrah without male guardian. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/21/saudi-arabia-lifts-ban-on-women-performing-umrah-without-male-guardian
[2] BBC News. (2021, March 21). Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women performing Umrah without male guardian. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56501982
[3] The Guardian. (2021, March 21). Saudi Arabia to lift ban on women performing Umrah without male guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/21/saudi-arabia-to-lift-ban-on-women-performing-umrah-without-male-guardian
- The decision to allow women in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah without a male guardian is part of a broader policy-and-legislation aimed at modernizing the country, aligning with escalating social norms and technological advances, and promoting women's economic participation.
- The relaxation of rules on women performing Umrah independently supports Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's goals for social modernization and expanding women's rights in the Kingdom, strengthening the Saudi Arabia's strategic positioning as a more inclusive, globalized society while maintaining respect for Islamic values.
- The announcement of women's travel rights for the Umrah pilgrimage, separate from male guardian approval, highlights a shift in entertainment, lifestyle, and culture within the Kingdom.
- The general-news about the lifting of the male guardian requirement for the Umrah pilgrimage finds positive reflections in many Saudi clerics, who see it as a more reformist interpretation of Islamic law that advances tolerant and accepting attitudes within the religious community.
- Stay informed on the latest developments in news, culture, lifestyle, travel, and policy-and-legislation in Saudi Arabia by subscribing to Al Bawaba's newsletter, curated by English team leader and news writer Sally Shakkour.
