Jordan News

An announcement to hire 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia has attracted 28,000 applicants, highlighting the huge demand as the kingdom opens up more opportunities for women.

The Spanish railway company Renfe said the online assessment included academic aspects and English language skills and this helped it cut the number of candidates by about half.

The selected 30 women will drive express trains between the cities of Mecca and Medina after a year of paid training.

Renfe, who said she is keen to create opportunities for women in her local business, currently employs 80 men to drive her trains in Saudi Arabia, and has another 50 in training.

Until recently, job opportunities for Saudi women were limited to roles such as teachers and medical personnel.

Saudi Arabia has gradually opened up opportunities for women who were not allowed to drive in the kingdom until 2018.