The White House on Sunday welcomed Saudi Arabia's move to allow women to serve as full members of the advisory Shura Council in the next session and participate in future municipal elections.

The reforms pledged by King Abdullah recognize the "significant contributions" women in Saudi Arabia make to their society and will offer them new ways to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and communities, National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

"The announcements made today represent an important step forward in expanding the rights of women in Saudi Arabia, and we support King Abdullah and the people of Saudi Arabia as they undertake these and other reforms," Vietor said in a statement.

Women in Saudi Arabia, in compliance with a strict version of Sunni Islam, have been banned from traveling or driving without the consent of a male relative. Rights activists have long been fighting for more rights for women.

King Abdullah announced his decision in his address to the Shura Council, saying the kingdom refuses to marginalize females in all walks of the society.