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Saudi Arabia is among the top lot of the countries where basic rights of women are always subjected to state discretion. However, in an interesting development, Saudi Arabia has become the first country in the world to provide citizenship to a robotic woman. Amusing, isn’t it?

As the BBC reported, the country has granted a Saudi citizenship to a robotic Audrey Hepburn lookalike. Named as Sophia, it appeared on the stage without an Abaya – a head covering and loose over-garment, worn by women in Saudi Arabia.

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About Sophia – the robotic woman

Interestingly, the robotic woman said on the stage while she was at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Wednesday:

“I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction. This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship.”

Sophia is a robot with human female features that can make facial expressions and hold conversations. The crowd got persuaded when Sophia debuted at an economic summit in the country’s capital, Riyadh.

She was appeared on the stage without any male guardian, as required by Saudi law for women in the country. Male guardians are entitled to give permission before women can travel abroad, open bank accounts or carry out a host of other tasks. In addition, they accompany women in public.

Move has been widely criticized

It is relevant to mention that the declaration has become an apple of discord among the conservative Saudis. A lot of them feel that portrayal of the human shape, even in workmanship or on a mannequin, is profane.

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Likewise, citizenship is a painstakingly monitored benefit in the kingdom, which does not give it to outside laborers who make up about 33% of the populace – even to a few families who have been there for ages – or even to the offspring of Saudi ladies and foreign men.