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February 18,2022

Anna Murray 

A job advertising in Saudi Arabia for 30 female train drivers drew 28,000 applicants, demonstrating the magnitude of unmet demand as the monarchy expands its prospects for women. After a year of training, 30 women will drive the iconic Haramin high-speed railway between Mecca and Medina in the popular role.

Thousands of Saudi women are now looking for work after the country's gender segregation laws were lifted. After receiving consent from the Saudi Arabian government, Spanish train company Renfe published the advertisement in December 2021 and received tens of thousands of applications.

Women are now taking positions previously reserved for men and migrant laborers, thanks to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to open up the country and diversify the economy. Saudi women's job prospects were formerly limited to occupations such as teachers and medical personnel due to strict gender segregation regulations. Until 2018, women were not allowed to drive in the kingdom.