Saudi Arabia gets its first batch of woman train drivers

JEDDAH – Amid the series of reforms in Saudi Arabia, women started driving the Mecca-Madinah Haramain Express Train, Saudi Gazette reported.

The report revealed that the first batch of 32 female drivers of the Haramain Express Train is fully trained to operate one of the fastest trains in the world.

The Saudi Railway celebrated the recent historic moment with a cinematic montage, showing women getting instructions from trainers and sharing their experiences with the world.

The women loco drivers also cheered the feat to become the first female train drivers in the Middle East, saying transporting pilgrims and visitors gives them the motivation to work with great care.

Earlier, a job advert to recruit less than 3 dozen loco drivers attracted 28,000 applicants as working opportunities for women doubled in the last five years under Kingdom’s vision 2030 which aims to reduce dependence on oil.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced drastic changes as women were allowed to drive cars for the first time.