Changing Times: Dubai becomes first Middle East region to hire female bus drivers

Driving trucks, buses and other oversized vehicles is traditionally considered to be a ‘male job’. Similarly, stereotypes within occupations have been prevalent for as long as one can remember, with a large number of men dominating the automobile industry, while also receiving a higher pay and more fringe benefits. As times are changing for the better, Dubai becomes the first in the Middle East to have taken a step in the right direction. In latest news, the gulf emirate has brought three female drivers on board for its internal bus network. Several women have been spotted sitting behind the wheel when it comes to driving taxis – however, buses are something they have never gotten the chance to explore.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai revealed on Monday that it had recruited the first batch of three female bus drivers. It currently has 165 female taxi drivers, 41 female limousine chauffeurs, and one female school bus driver. The three female bus drivers started driving passenger buses from July 3 on different routes in Dubai.

“This initiative goes with the best global practices of employing female drivers along with male drivers. The step creates job opportunities for women in a field dominated by men,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency. He mentioned that the initiative would further promote the culture of using public transport in the community with better services for commuters.

“I applied for this job because I believe that it will open up opportunities for women like me,” one of the three female drivers said in a video released by RTA. Another added, “I chose this career because I think I can contribute to the growth of the RTA as the first lady public bus driver in the Middle East.” Way to go!