The first batch of 32 female drivers of the Makkah-Madinah Haramain Express Train is fully trained to operate one of the fastest trains in the world, according to Saudi Railway (SAR).
The Saudi Railway Department (SAR) shared the video of the Saudi female train driver, which was making the rounds on social media. The video, released on New Year’s Day, featured some of the women who took part in the training and said that they were so proud to be a part of the pioneering initiative, of which they were the first batch, and were looking forward to the road ahead.
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.
Saudi woman, Sara Al Shahri said, “We have the honour of running a high-speed train in the Middle East for the first time, which I am proud of.”
Noura Hisham, another Saudi woman who completed the training, said that this is a work of great responsibility as the safety of those who come for Hajj, Umrah, and Ziarat is the responsibility of the drivers of the Haramain Express.
They said transporting pilgrims and visitors gives them the motivation to work with great care.
Earlier, a job ad to recruit fewer than three dozen loco drivers attracted 28,000 applicants as working opportunities for women doubled in the last five years under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce dependence on oil.
