Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Sir Andrew Strauss, a former England cricket captain and batsman, attended the opening night of the Saudi Cup horseracing festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Cup is one of the world's most prestigious horse races, with a prize pool of $20 million. It is held annually at King Abdulaziz Racecourse and attracts thousands of spectators from around the world.

Strauss, who has previously expressed his support for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, was reportedly impressed by the progress being made towards gender equality in the country. He also commented on the excitement and energy of the crowd, saying that it was an eye-opener to see so many people coming together to enjoy a sporting event.

It is worth noting that while Saudi Arabia has made some progress towards gender equality in recent years, there are still significant challenges to be addressed. Women are not yet allowed to drive or vote in the country, and there are restrictions on their participation in certain fields such as sports and entertainment. However, the government has announced plans to lift these restrictions over time, and there have been efforts to promote women's rights and empowerment through initiatives such as the Saudi Women's Empowerment Programme.