Prince Abdullah Bin Saud, a member of Jeddah's Tourism Development Council and a prominent voice in support of women, is also known for his love of diving and work to boost tourism in the regions of Jeddah and Al-Leith. Speaking to Roaa magazine, Prince Abdullah talks about the role of Saudi women in water sports and tourism, which he describes as having a “very bright future” in the Kingdom, and looks at how best to support women while noting the occasionally negative role played by women themselves, which he says has hampered efforts to promote the role of females in the Kingdom. The Prince expects, however, to see women in ministerial posts in the near future. “Support for women is society's duty, and the greatest example has come from King Abdullah and state authorities, who have brought us to the position we are in today where Saudi women have taken up some of the highest posts possible and made great achievements,” Prince Abdullah said. “Personally, I am all for a cautious support of women, and for controlled openness, as absolute support is a double-edged sword,” he said. “Support should be balanced, and I'm proud of being the first to take interest in the Obhur festival in the Tourist Festivals for Families where half of those in attendance whre women, as well as the heritage villages and numerous other notable events.” The Prince, known affectionately by some as the “Dean of the Divers” for his passion for water sports, rejects the perception that the activity has been monopolized by men. “Lots of families and women practice water sports, and there have been lots of diving and fishing competitions for families with women involved,” he said. “Water bike competitions, however, come under the system that bans women from driving, but Saudi women can acquire licenses to scuba dive and go diving at any time.” Prince Abdullah said that water sports in the Kingdom had a “modest beginning” but describes the current facilities as excellent. “Many people from the international union have enthusiastically praised the facilities on Jeddah's Red Sea coast,” he said. With women's sport still being discussed by the Shoura Council, some sections of the public have questioned why the Kingdom has been unable to overcome the issue as in neighboring countries with the same religion and similar customs and traditions. The General Presidency of Youth Welfare, a government supervisory body for sporting activity in the Kingdom, still does not appoint females. “The government does not stand in the way of any move taken up by the venerable Shoura Council, and that's the great responsibility it has in that it has to tread carefully when taking steps to involve Saudi women correctly in society,” the Prince said. “Great faith has been put in the Shoura Council to study what is appropriate for our society in terms of decisions and solutions to our most difficult problems while bearing in mind that we are a people committed to our beliefs, customs and traditions, and not going against the religion, for only the ignorant oppose the religion.” Prince Abdullah said the reasons for non-admittance of females to the General Presidency of Youth Welfare were many and various, but that the decision, when taken, would come quickly, regardless of “other nations which permit everything.” “If you look at it, you'll find in these countries the highest rates of crime, robbery and rape, even though they are free and civilized, so an absence of regulations and restrictions is a great problem,” Prince Abdullah said. “I see the future for Saudi women as one of ability and honor. They are capable of great achievements and we really need to bring to the fore productive and educated women who best represent us.” “I hope to see a female Saudi minister, and I think that will happen soon. I'd like to see thinking, disciplined Saudi women in all sectors, as what we don't need is women educated on the surface but who have no basic principles on the inside,” the Prince said. “Unfortunately we have seen since a while back some uncultured women who don't recognize restrictions to certain appropriate situations and who have offended many Saudi women. Their behavior does not make it easy for the decision-makers to take steps to help women and further their importance, and they have had a hand in many moves in the interest of Saudi women who serve their religion, their nation and message, being halted.” As to whether he would support women being appointed judges, Prince Abdullah said: “From the Shariah perspective I don't know, but if the religion permits it then there's no objection, as everything is permitted in our religion except what is restricted by Shariah.”
