The changes come into effect on March 1.
You don’t have to be paying very close attention to see that across the Middle East, women’s position in society is shifting.
In Saudi Arabia, women are gaining the right to drive and enter sports stadiums, alongside calls from Shoura members for a committee on gender balance.
Over the border in Oman, women will soon be allowed to drive taxis and heavy vehicles for the first time.
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“[It’s] part of the government’s drive to give women equal business and employment rights,” The National quotes a statement from the Omani government.
The move will allow more women to find employment outside the home, which can mean financial independence. It’s been welcomed by women in Oman.
“This is good news. I will be the first one to apply for the taxi license. Women too need a chance to earn a living from driving taxis,” Rahma Al Khalidi told The National. She’s 26, and has struggled to find work after leaving school at age 17.
Under the same bill, backseat passengers must now wear safety belts, which were previously only required in the front. Expatriate licenses will now need to be renewed every two years instead of every 10, and new drivers must renew their permits after one year.
The changes, which come into effect at the start of March, are aimed at making Oman’s roads safer for residents and visitors.
A worthy aim. Maybe there’ll be a woman behind the wheel of your taxi the next time you take a long weekend in Muscat.
Images: Getty, Instagram
