In a world where the sight of a truck driver in an abaya is rare, Fouzia Zahour stands out. Every day, she climbs into the cab of a 22-wheeler, adeptly manoeuvring the massive vehicle in her traditional Emirati dress and flats.
More than just the image of a hijabi behind a huge wheel, Fouzia is the youngest woman in the UAE to earn a heavy vehicle license. She achieved this milestone without any special treatment and passed her driving test on the first attempt.
Fouzia, born in India and raised as an only child, has always had her family’s steadfast support. Her father passed away before she was born, and she took on the responsibility of caring for her mother until her mother’s passing last Ramadan.
“I worked hard for my mum. I saw myself as her son, taking on tough responsibilities. After she passed, I realized I had a goal to achieve — to empower women. I want to show that even in challenging circumstances, we can do heavy work,” said Fouzia, who holds a degree in commerce and business from India.
Fouzia obtained her car license in 2013, and after nine years, she decided to pursue a heavy vehicle license. She underwent rigorous eye and physical tests, often surprising the officials she encountered.
“A lady at RAK Hospital told me she had never seen a woman come in for the heavy vehicle test in her career,” Fouzia recalled.
Soon after securing her license, she landed a job with a private company in Fujairah. Her role involves transporting sand and stones, often driving long distances such as from Dubai’s Jebel Ali to Al Qudra.
“While Fouzia derives satisfaction from her profession, she remains acutely mindful of its demanding responsibilities. Operating a truck presents distinct challenges compared to driving a car. Vigilance is paramount to ensure not only her own safety but also that of others,” she elaborated.
Fouzia takes all necessary precautions, from checking oil and water levels to monitoring tyre pressure. She is especially vigilant during the summer, as high temperatures can cause tire blowouts.
“Truck drivers must constantly stay alert and aware of their vehicle’s condition,” she emphasized. If there is a tyre issue, she knows how to safely park the truck and call for assistance.
During breaks, Fouzia documents her journey on social media, sharing videos and reels with her followers. Despite some negative comments and accusations of “faking it,” she remains focused on her goal to inspire others.
Fouzia draws inspiration from the UAE’s dedication to empowering women and seeks to pioneer change in the auto industry. She has observed a shortage of female instructors in driving schools and aspires to become the first female instructor for heavy vehicles, aiming to make a significant impact in this field.
Her goal is to motivate more women to enroll in driving lessons and take leadership roles in the industry, dismantling obstacles and establishing fresh benchmarks for female professionals.
