On women's participation at the Jeddah Economic Forum
(Saudi-US Information Service)

QUOTE. The scope and quality the forum is greatly enhanced by the contribution of many distinguished women whose knowledge and experience add an important dimension to the agenda."

However, the role of women at the JEF has become a hot topic among critics. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, on January 20th, issued a condemnation of Saudi women who showed up unveiled at the Jeddah Economic Forum [last year] and mixed with men, according to Arab News. “We followed up what happened at the forum and which should be denounced.. ..namely, the mixing of men and women and the latter’s appearance without wearing the hijab ordered by God,” the mufti said. UNQUOTE.