Saudi Arabia looks set to build a women-only industrial city to enable women to have greater independence while still maintaining gender segregation.
The city will be the first of several planned in Saudi Arabia. It will be built in the Eastern Province city of Hofuf, around 200 miles from the capital Riyadh.
The proposals come after the government instructed more job openings should be created for women to allow them to play a part in the country's development.
It's thought this new city will create 5,000 jobs for women.
A spokesperson for Modon, the company tasked with developing the new city, says it will open next year.
He added: 'I'm sure that women can demonstrate their efficiency in many aspects and clarify the industries that best suit their interests, nature and ability.'
Saudi Arabia has a male/female employment gap of 23 per cent, which is one of the world's largest disparities in employment according to gender.
The country also attracts constant criticism for its discrimination against women. They were almost banned from the Olympics before they sent two female athletes.
SAUDI ARABIA'S FEMALE ATHLETES CAUSE HEATED DEBATE
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Saudi Arabia plans women-only city
By Natasha Wynarczyk - Monday 13 August 2012
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