dubai saudi arabia first time allow women attend sport events prepare special section three select stadiums early next year another step toward open public space women stadiums jeddah dammam riyadh set accommodate families early 2018 say statement general sport authority carry state-run saudi press agency late sunday last month saudi arabia announce june women would allow drive cars end world ban female drive economic social reform program lead crown prince mohammed bin salman aim open cloister lifestyles shape part strict conservative version sunni islam limit role women prince mohammed also seek diversify economy away oil part propose reform crown prince first saudi leader since 1953 hail new generation inherit throne father salman sixth brother row serve king kingdom adhere austere wahhabi brand sunni islam ban gender mix concert cinemas women require receive permission male guardian obtain passports leave country social aspects reform criticise clerics saudis social media saudi authorities also start reform areas exclusive domain clergy education court law promote elements national identity religious component pre-date islam prince mohammed tell businessmen reporters major investment forum last week country would cleave open tolerant interpretation islam saudi arabia let women enter sport stadiums 2018