Advertisement for Saudi Female Train Drivers Gets 28,000 Applicants

Spanish railway operator Renfe said a job advert to recruit 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia has attracted 28,000 applicants.

The 30 selected women will drive bullet trains between the cities of Makkah and Madinah after a year of paid training.

An online assessment of academic background and English language skills had helped to reduce the number of candidates by around a half, and Renfe would work through the rest by mid-March.

The Spanish operator currently employs 80 men to drive its trains in Saudi Arabia, and has 50 more under instruction.

Job opportunities for Saudi women have until recently been limited to roles such as teachers and