Saudi families and companies looking to hire female expat drivers

A surprisingly immediate reaction to Saudi Arabia’s dramatic rescinding of the controversial ban on women drivers is that Saudi businesses and families are planning to hire expat women drivers.

Saudi families, car rental companies and businesses in general are taking advantage of the reversal of the ban on women drivers by deciding to hire expatriate female drivers. Given that various studies over the past several years have revealed women are by far the safer drivers, it’s a sensible decision and, more importantly, it means Saudi women won’t have to sit in a car with an unknown man.

Recruitment agencies in Riyadh are wholeheartedly approving the removal of the ban, although they’re waiting to see whether the government will allow the hiring of expat female drivers. One stated the innovation would improve the safe conveyance of women and children, and will be a major advance in the kingdom’s public transport system. Full details of what will be and what won’t be allowed aren’t expected for several months, but agents are fully aware reliance on foreign drivers will fall once Saudi women get behind the wheel. The owner of a car-booking app expects his business to expand considerably, and believes the change in the law won’t affect rent-a-car companies. He’s already planning to attract and hire 100,000 female expat drivers in order to corner the newly opened market.

One prominent social worker and Islamic scholar told reporters he believes one very positive effect of the ban’s reversal will be the hiring of expat women drivers to take female children to and from their schools and universities. He goes as far as to suggest female drivers could live with the families and help with everyday chores. Others believe allowing women to drive is clearly the first step towards other female-friendly changes, and a number are certain that safer roads will be an unlooked for but welcome development.