Among the changes announced by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman were a relaxing of the requirement that women over 21 have a male "guardian" when traveling, both domestically and internationally. In addition, women over 21 can now apply for a passport without having to be sponsored by a man.

The travel changes will take effect by August 31, the government said.

Other changes recently announced include these:

• Women can now open businesses by themselves and run them without having to have a man's support or permission.
• Women have the right to equal pay for equal work and cannot be fired because they are pregnant.
• Women can be recognized as a guardian to children who are not of legal age.
• Women can now officially register marriage, childbirth, and divorce.

The country gained worldwide fame in 2018 by allowing women to get driver's licenses.

Recently, however, the government has cracked down on female activists, resulting in several high-profile trials in recent months.