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Female Taxi Drivers in Oman Surge by 900%

  • Publish date: since 4 days
Female Taxi Drivers in Oman Surge by 900%

The number of women behind the wheel in Oman’s taxi industry has grown dramatically, with an increase of more than 900% since the service began in March 2022. Initially starting with just 25 female drivers in Muscat, Otaxi now boasts 250 women working in major cities including Muscat, Suhar, and Salalah.

Growth and Expansion Plans

Otaxi's CEO, Harith al Maqbali, highlighted the impressive growth of the initiative. With 250 women driving taxis daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, the company is planning to extend its services to even more governorates in the future.

Training and Professionalism

According to Maqbali, the female drivers are well-trained, capable of handling various road conditions, and follow strict safety protocols. However, the service still faces some resistance, as certain people are reluctant to ride with female drivers despite their professionalism. Maqbali is confident, however, that these perceptions will change over time.

Female Taxi Drivers in Oman Surge by 900%

Women’s Role in Oman’s Development

The growth of female taxi drivers is part of a larger trend of women’s increasing participation in Oman's workforce. Women in the country are playing key roles in government, the Majlis A’Shura, and the private sector. Maqbali emphasized that Omani women are contributing to the nation’s progress alongside men.

Women as Ambassadors of Oman

Beyond driving, many of Otaxi's female drivers have taken on the role of unofficial tour guides, showcasing Oman’s beauty to tourists. This gives women a chance to share their culture while earning an income to support their families.

Encouraging More Women to Join

Maqbali is encouraging more women to consider becoming taxi drivers, as it provides a great opportunity for financial independence and career development. He also appealed to the community to support this initiative, which promotes Omani women's empowerment and creates new job opportunities.

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