Saudi women ready to drive marine tourism

MAKKAH: The Saudi government has begun to provide women with funding to secure their own boats and training to operate tourism businesses in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The Border Training Guard Program in Yanbu with the support of government departments, issued marine driving licence to 11 Saudi women lately. An organization named "Riyada" is also supporting the program by providing loans to women. Hamed Al-Juhani, president of the board of directors of the Yanbu Cooperative Society for Fishermen, said his organization is committed to helping young women to develop entrepreneurial skills. "We have hired experienced leaders in boat driving, fishing, and going on trips, who know all the tourism areas in Yanbu by heart," he said. The course covers navigation, safety, and other aspects of a marine-focused business.