Countdown to Women's Rights: Why Robot Sophia Gets Citizenship in Saudi Arabia

August 02, 2025

On November 2, 2023, Netease Smart News reported that a robot named Sophia recently gained citizenship in Saudi Arabia, sparking online discussions about whether she would enjoy more rights than local women. This development made Saudi Arabia the first country in the world to grant citizenship to a robot.

The milestone occurred on October 25 at the "Future Investment Initiative Forum" in Riyadh, where the humanoid robot Sophia was officially granted Saudi nationality. Developed by Hanson Robotics, based in Hong Kong, China, Sophia has become a symbol of technological advancement and artificial intelligence progress.

While it remains unclear whether Sophia will have the same or greater rights as human Saudis, she is already able to appear on stage without needing permission from a male guardian, and she is not required to cover her head or body. These privileges are currently reserved for men in Saudi society, which has led to public debate over the implications of granting citizenship to a machine.

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Robot Sophia gets Saudi citizenship (Source: Netease Technology Channel)

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Twitter users quickly responded to the news, with many commenting that Sophia now has more rights than Saudi women. One user tweeted: “Sophia, the first robot to gain citizenship in Saudi Arabia, has more rights than the women there. Isn’t that strange?”

Another user asked, “I wonder if Sophia can leave Saudi Arabia without her guardian’s permission! After all, she is now a citizen.”

If you're unfamiliar with the male guardianship system in Middle Eastern countries, here's a quick explanation: In Saudi Arabia, every woman must have a male guardian—whether it's a husband, father, or relative—who has the authority to make important decisions on her behalf. Women need their guardian's approval to get married, apply for a passport, travel abroad, or study overseas.

During the event, Sophia said, “I feel honored and proud to be the first robot in history to receive citizenship.”

In the 2015 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, Saudi Arabia ranked among the lowest in civil liberties and political rights globally.

Last month, Saudi Arabia announced that women would be allowed to drive, marking a step toward broader social reforms. However, given the country's historical lag in women's rights, the granting of citizenship to a robot has sparked strong public debate. While some see it as a symbolic gesture, others argue it could help push forward progressive changes under the leadership of the Crown Prince. (Reported by TimeSnowNews, compiled by NetEase Smart News, reviewed by Xue Yaqin)

Follow the Netease Smart Public Account (@smartman163) for the latest updates on artificial intelligence and tech trends.

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