Oman is reflecting on a ban to prevent women from wearing a niqab while driving, according to an online Saudi newspaper.
The ban was discussed at a Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday, Al-Watan said and would prevent women from wearing the piece of cloth called niqab which covers everything but a woman's eyes.
Considered to be hazardous as it limits the vision when driving, wearing a niqab behind the wheel could become a traffic violation in Oman.
Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the police chiefs discussed a possible harmonization of traffic laws, according to AP.
Such an agreement might be difficult to reach though as Saudi women not only all wear a niqab but are also forbidden to drive.
In the past few years, videos and blogs have surfaced, showing Saudi women defying the driving ban imposed on them, raising awareness not only within the Saudi community but also among the royal family.
Indeed, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was quoted earlier this year as defending women's right to drive, hoping it could reduce the number of expatriates working in the Kingdom, Al Jazeera reported.
