Saudi Women in King Abdullah's Reign (2005-2015). An Italian Perspective

This article aims to explore the “special alliance” between King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and women during his reign (2005-2015). In that decade female advancement in the Kingdom emerges as a process resulting from an enlightened Muslim vision and political support to women’s needs and rights, according to the Sharī‘a. The trajectory explores the ideational, social and economic factors that had an impact on the policies enacted to promote a “flexible approach” founded on the Islamic values of tolerance, equality, mercy, support of knowledge and dialogue. All of that was crucial to give women an unprecedented visibility in Saudi society, and the chance to become active participants in the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based society and economy.