The Saudi Railways Technical Institute also announced the opening of registration for the ‘Haramain Express Train Leaders program’ ending in employment to work in the Saudi Rivne Company.

In another historic move, Saudi Arabia’s famous high-speed railway—the Haramain express train will now see women drivers in their operations. Women could soon be driving the high-speed service that links the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The train that is expected to see 60 million passengers a year is designed for a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h) and opened to the public in October 2018.

The Saudi Railways Technical Institute also announced the opening of registration for the ‘Haramain Express Train Leaders program’ ending in employment to work in the Saudi Rivne Company.

The female graduates will work shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts who have graduated from previous programs.

The program which is of one-year duration will begin from February 15 onwards and is going to take place in the city of Jeddah, registrations for which is open until January 13 through the polytechnic’s website.

The program ensures various advantages like 4,000 Riyals ($1,065) as a monthly bonus during the training period, up to 8000 Riyals salary every month after passing the program, social insurance scheme etc. apart from the employment in the profession (train driver) after passing the program.

Criteria for admissions include Saudi nationality, a high school diploma (all sections) with a grade point average of no less than (70%) or higher and English language proficiency (IELTS level 3.5 or higher or equivalent).

Applicants who are medically fit and are aged between 23 to 30 years and whose height is not less than 155 cm and not more than 190 cm can apply for the training program.

Through the inclusion of women in such fields, Saudi Arabia aims to contribute to the advancement of the railway industry and its sustainability through women power, which will then raise the efficiency and quality of services, and achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.