Muscat – Otaxi officially launched its female taxi service under the auspices of H H Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said, chairperson, Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children, on Tuesday.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Harith al Maqbali, CEO of Otaxi, said, “We have launched the female taxi service with 25 female drivers. The service in Muscat will be followed by the rest of the governorates soon.”

He added, “We chose 25 Omani women who will drive nine cars in the first stage. They are well trained to work in all conditions. Working hours will start from 6am to 10pm in the pilot phase, but it will be around the clock in the near future. The decision is very important because it will create many jobs.”

According to Maqbali, the second phase will include the wilayats of Sohar and Salalah, before rolling out across the country. “We will increase female drivers to reach 200 before the end of this year.”

The company currently has over 1,800 active drivers spread across all major cities, including Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Sohar and Salalah.

Maqbali also revealed that the company has been permitted to offer its ride-hailing services in private cars in Masirah and Halaniyat Islands. “We intend to launch services there in the second quarter of 2022.”