It was confirmed last Sunday (24 June 2012) that Saudi Arabia would no longer prevent women from participating in Olympic events. This decision was made by King Abdullah, who has often tried to introduce reforms that were in opposition to the country's ultra-conservative clerics (for example, he plans to introduce limited voting rights for women from 2015, something the country's religious establishment have opposed).

So yes, women can take part. However, the problem is that, with so few sporting opportunities for women, Saudi Arabia at present has only one athlete who could reach the required standard - horse rider Dalma Rushdi Malhas, who would compete in the show jumping. Unfortunately the latest news is that she doesn't reach the qualifying standard either, so despite the ban being lifted it looks as though the kingdom may not be sending any female contestants this year after all. They may have to wait until Rio in 2016.