For the first time in Saudi Arabia: Local women will be allowed to work as air hostesses
For the first time in more than 76 years of history, local women in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to work as air hostesses.
The move comes following reforms by Regent Muhammad bin Salman, after women in the country were allowed to drive alone and roam the streets unaccompanied
Walla!
Tourism
27/02/2022
Sunday, 27 February 2022, 11:55 Updated: 12:25
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Stewardesses in bikinis at Vietjet
Once women are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, they can now also work as flight attendants: Saudi Arabian Airlines will begin recruiting an air force of local women for the first time in the history of more than 76 years, with the Gulf state adopting a more moderate version Of Islam under the leadership of the reformist regent Muhammad bin Salman.
The airline, often known simply as "Saudi", has long employed Saudi men as flight attendants overseeing young flight attendants from abroad, mainly from the Philippines, Thailand and Eastern Europe. Following social reforms that gave women extensive new freedoms.
As you may recall, in 2018, Saudi women were finally allowed to drive cars and leave the house unaccompanied by a relative.
In addition, strict dress codes have been eased, and although women are still expected to dress modestly, it is no longer necessary to wear an "abaya" (a long dress that includes a head covering) outside the home.
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Saudi Arabian Airlines (Photo: ShutterStock)
Women paid a heavy price for the reforms
In parallel with the above reforms
, there was an urge to bring more Saudis to work in the private sector - including women. Jobs are no longer separated by men and women areas only, and women no longer have to enter restaurants and cafes through separate entrances.
The right to drive, to leave the house alone and work in a greater variety of jobs, and eventually adopted by the regent, came at a heavy price. Arbitrary at a moment's notice.
So far only Saudi men have been allowed to work as flight attendants on company flights (Photo: screenshot, Facebook Saudi Arabian Company)
There are more obstacles in the way
It should be noted that while the Saudi private low-cost airline Flynas has allowed local women to become flight attendants since the beginning of 2020, the corona plague has delayed reforms in Saudi Arabia and changes have finally been postponed.
However, local women still have significant obstacles to overcome.
Stewardess roles are only open to women between the ages of 20 and 30, and women may face strong opposition from family members who will not be happy with their interaction with so many foreign men.
The role of "air hostess", which may be considered glamorous in various airlines around the world, is not always highly regarded among locals in countries in the Gulf region.
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