Taxi Driver: A Woman At The Helm

Commuters gawk and look confused when they see Maria Normita Magboo behind the wheel of a limousine.

It was the same story in Sharjah, where Maria became the emirate's first woman cabbie in 2006.

Having moved to Abu Dhabi two months ago, the divorced mother of a teenage girl now cruises smoothly along.

"Westerners, especially men, find it amusing when they realise they're being driven by a woman here," said the Filipina.

"I've realised there's a huge demand for women drivers. I haven't experienced any serious problems getting into a male-dominated profession. Some guys give me the cold shoulder and act bossy. But others are very polite and professional too," said Maria, adding, "But it's lonely at times; I need to talk to women."

Maria does find women to talk to – her passengers – even if it is small talk.

"The conversation depends on the mood of the passenger."

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