Riyadh: Women in Saudi Arabia have for the first time been allowed to become notaries, with 12 granted permission to start working in the profession, the justice ministry said on Monday.

The move comes amid a reform drive in the ultra-conservative kingdom that saw the authorities lift a ban on women drivers in June.

As notaries the women can now issue and cancel powers of attorney, and certify documents to help establish companies or transfer property rights, the ministry said.

The modernisation push is being spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.