A female TV host in Saudi Arabia has laughed incredulously at a guest’s claim that women who get behind the wheel "do not care if they are raped roadside".

Historian Saleh Al-Saadoon made the remark in defence of Saudi laws banning female drivers from the road during an appearance on Rotana Khalijiyya last month.

"Women used to ride camels, so one might ask what prevents them from driving cars," Al-Saadoon tells the host, as translated by The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

"If a woman drives from one city to another and her car breaks down, what will become of her?"

The female host points to women in America, in Europe, and in the Arab world who regularly drive without injury.

"They don't care if they are raped on the roadside, but we do," he replies.

"Hold on," the host interrupts. "Who told you they don't care about getting raped on the roadside?"

Al-Saadoon opines that rape was "not a big deal" for them beyond damage to their morale, whereas, in Saudi Arabia, the matter was more of a social and religious nature.

"In our case, it affects the family," he tells her.

But the host refuses to accept his answer, arguing that chauffeured women are at just as much of risk of rape at the hands of their carers.

Al-Saadoon then suggests employing foreign female drivers "to drive our wives", as she finally loses her composure.

Two Saudi women were detained in November for defying the ban on female drivers despite a member of the king's advisory saying the government was considering proposals to allow women to drive.

Saudi women have launched a series of campaigns demanding an easing of the restrictions.

Saudi Arabia is the world's only country to forbid women from driving.