Saudi princess behind the wheel graces Vogue Arabia

A Saudi Arabian princess has joined the ranks of actresses and models who have graced the cover of Vogue. Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud, daughter of the late King Abdullah, has been unveiled as the cover star of Vogue Arabia’s ground-breaking June issue, which celebrates the cultural changes taking place in the Gulf State. 

Princess Hayfa, a professional artist, was photographed in an elegant flowing white ensemble and matching headscarf as she posed in the driver’s seat of a convertible in the desert outside Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The striking image celebrates the reversal of the country’s ban on women drivers, which is due to be enacted next month. 

In an interview with the magazine, the royal said: “Personally, I support these changes with great enthusiasm. It is easy to comment on other people’s societies and think that your own society is superior, but the Western world must remember that each country is specific and unique.”

 “We have strengths and weaknesses but, invariably, it’s our culture, and it’s better to try to understand it than to judge it.”

Vogue Arabia Editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut said: “A mother of three, the princess dedicates her life to her family and her art. I was deeply honoured when she decided to accept our invitation.”