Saudi wives told by text: U R divorced

SAUDI women will get text messages notifying them they are being divorced to end the practice of husbands leaving them in secret.

From yesterday divorce courts are now required by law to confirm marriages are ending. Previously a man could get a divorce without actually telling his wife.

It remains significantly easier for a Saudi man to get a divorce than for a woman.

The change follows other recent reforms in Saudi, including women being given the right to drive cars, attend football matches and work in traditionally male jobs.