UAE
Young Indian Woman Breaks Barriers as UAE’s Youngest Truck Driver. In the UAE, it’s rare to see a truck driver in an abaya. For Fouzia Zahour, however, it’s an everyday sight. Every morning, she climbs into her 22-wheeler, grabs the steering wheel, and maneuvers through the roads with ease, wearing her traditional Emirati attire and flats. Fouzia isn’t just any truck driver; she’s the youngest woman in the UAE to earn a heavy vehicle license.
“I experienced no preferential treatment during the licensing process,” she told Khaleej Times. Fouzia, who aced her driving test on her first attempt, hails from India. As an only child, she had her family’s unwavering support, never doubting her ability to excel in a field dominated by men.
Fouzia has been the ‘man of the house’ since her father passed away before her birth. She took care of her mother until her passing last Ramadan. “I toiled hard for my mother. I saw myself as her son, shouldering responsibilities and tackling tough challenges. When she passed, I was devastated, but then I realized I have a mission to fulfill—women’s empowerment. I aim to demonstrate that even in trying circumstances, we can handle heavy tasks,” she shared. Fouzia, who studied in India, holds a degree in commerce and business.
In 2013, she began her journey by obtaining a car license, and after a decade, she pursued a heavy vehicle license. Fouzia’s determination surprised many officials during the mandatory eye test and physical examination. “A woman at RAK Hospital remarked that in her career, it was the first instance of a woman coming in for the test,” Fouzia recounted.
Shortly after earning her license, she secured a job at a private company in Fujairah. She wakes up early and tackles various projects, overseeing the transportation of goods like sand and stones. She has mastered the art of driving double- and triple-axel trucks, with her longest journey being from Dubai’s Jebel Ali to Al Qudra.
Despite loving her job, Fouzia remains acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with driving such a massive vehicle. “Driving a car is fundamentally different from commanding a truck. In a car, one can focus solely on the road. But in a truck, there’s a heightened sense of responsibility to ensure safety for oneself and others around,” she explained. This awareness drives Fouzia to take all necessary precautions before, during, and after her trips.
“Truck drivers must always remain vigilant and monitor the vehicle’s condition,” she emphasized, including checking critical elements like oil, water, leaks, and tire pressure. The condition of tires is paramount when operating trucks—especially in summer, when heat can lead to blowouts. In the event of tire damage, she must safely park the truck and reach out to the transportation department for aid.
“Some transportation services offer on-the-spot assistance. For instance, my truck is loaded, and I have a task to unload after specific kilometers. I must frequently check the tires, stopping every 4 to 5km to inspect them,” Fouzia detailed to Khaleej Times.
During breaks, she creates videos and reels to share the joy she finds in her work. She views her social media followers as friends and has recently started her own YouTube channel. While many are amazed to see her drive such enormous vehicles, some detractors question her authenticity and suitability for the job.
“Some claim I’m seeking fame, but my recordings are brief and swiftly followed by driving,” she clarified. Her objective is to inspire others and express her gratitude for the support she receives from various quarters. Recognizing the UAE’s commitment to prioritizing, safeguarding, and empowering women, Fouzia is driven to excel in her endeavors.
By showcasing snippets of her life online, she aspires to motivate other women, particularly in the automotive sector. Fouzia aims to pioneer change, noting the scarcity of female instructors in driving schools and hoping to rectify that. Her ambition is to become the first female instructor for heavy vehicles, encourage other women to pursue driving lessons, and emerge as a leader in this domain.
