Also in the news...
UK-Norway Iceland Liechtenstein free trade agreement
Business guidance, reports and other documents to help you understand the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein free trade agreement (FTA).
Essential Steps Before Launching an International Auction Business
Expanding a business internationally presents unique challenges, particularly when that business involves auctions. The global auction market continues to grow as more entrepreneurs see its potential for reaching new customers across borders. However, success in this specialised field requires careful planning and the right technological foundation.
Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts
UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.
British aerospace manufacturers to benefit from UK-US trade deal
British aerospace manufacturers to benefit from UK-US trade deal as further details announced
PM secures new agreement with EU to benefit British people
UK secures new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets.
The AEI ladies have hit the road!
It’s been a little over a month since the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was lifted and while we haven’t seen the mass influx of female drivers that some might have expected, the previously all-male traffic jams of Riyadh have become slightly more diverse!
120,000 women reportedly applied for licenses in advance of the lifting of the ban and the long-term economic benefits of allowing women the right to drive will be substantial. No doubt the numbers on the road will rise significantly in the months and years to come.
It has been estimated that the change in the law could create up to 50,000 new jobs in the short to medium term and, according to Bloomberg Economics, allowing Saudi women to drive could increase economic output by as much as $90bn by 2030.
Furthermore, it will of course give women greater access to employment in a country where the disparity between genders in the labour market is still considerable; only 20% of females in Saudi Arabia are economically active, far behind GCC neighbours where the average is around 42%.
With all this in mind, it is great to see that a number of the AEI ladies have already decided to brave the roads of Riyadh, including Jo, our Head of Support Services, and Finance Manager Hanin. As with everything we do and what we stand for here at AEI – our ladies are once again leading the charge in Saudi Arabia!