Saudi Arabia becomes first country to grant a robot citizenship – and people are saying it already has more rights than women

A robot has been granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia and it appears to already have more rights than the country's women. The robot Sophia was created by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics and it appeared at a technology conference in Saudi's capital, Riyadh. It was able to appear on stage by itself without the permission of a male guardian and with its head and body uncovered. Many people took to Twitter to point out that Sophia technically had more rights than women. One woman tweeted: “Sophia, the first robot to be granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia, has more rights than the human women there. Strike anyone else as odd?” Another user wrote: “I’m wondering if robot Sophia can leave Saudi Arabia without her guardian consent ! Since she’s officially Saudi.” Under the Middle Eastern country’s male guardianship system, every woman must have a male guardian, a husband or relative, who has the authority to make a range of critical decisions on her behalf. Women are required to receive guardian approval to get married, apply for a passport, travel outside the country and study abroad on a government scholarship. Sophia appeared as part of the Future Investment Initiative summit to drive investment from Saudi into artificial intelligence. During the display the robot said: “I'm very honoured and proud for this unique distinction. ”This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognised with a citizenship.“ Last month Saudi Arabia said it would allow women to hold driving licences – the latest step in the Saudi crown prince’s long-term reforms. According to independent watchdog Freedom House, Saudi Arabia was ranked 10th worst country for civil liberties and political rights.