Saudi woman takes to the sky

RIYADH (Reuters) - A Saudi woman is set to challenge religious conservatives by becoming the first female pilot in a country where women are not even allowed to drive.

Hanadi Hindi, who trained for a pilot's licence in neighbouring Jordan, has signed a contract with billionaire prince Alwaleed bin Talal's private airline, the prince said.

"Recruiting Captain Hindi as a pilot ... is a major step in the employment of women and in their more active participation in Saudi society," Prince Alwaleed said in a statement.

Hindi is due to start work by the middle of next year, after completing her training, in a move which directly challenges Saudi Arabia's ultra-conservative religious authorities.

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