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Saudi women driving for Uber: How will it reshape mobility?

Image credit: Supplied As Saudi Arabia marks seven years since lifting the ban on women driving, The new feature is designed to expand mobility options for women while offering greater flexibility and opportunity for women drivers. It also supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which includes boosting female participation in the workforce. Read- 'We're thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia,' said Youssef Abouseif, General Manager of Uber Saudi Arabia. 'The launch of the Women Drivers product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Seamless experience for female riders The Women Drivers feature will function similarly to UberX, with pricing kept in line with current rates. Women can select the option directly in the Uber app to ensure they are matched only with female drivers. For those looking to plan ahead, the feature will also be available through Uber Reserve, allowing riders to schedule a trip with a female driver up to 30 minutes in advance. 'The future of mobility is electric, shared, and autonomous—but also inclusive,' Abouseif added. 'By giving women more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community, we're creating a platform that works better for everyone.' The announcement reflects Uber's continued investment in Saudi Arabia's rapidly changing mobility landscape, where more women are now using ride-hailing platforms both as drivers and as riders. Alnahda partnership and community support As part of the launch, Uber has partnered with Alnahda Society, a prominent Saudi non-profit dedicated to empowering women economically and socially. Established in 1962, Alnahda has a long track record of advocacy and capacity-building initiatives for Saudi women. This collaboration will support programs focused on mobility and financial literacy, equipping women with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue economic independence—including the opportunity to earn income by driving via the Uber app. This builds on previous partnerships between Uber and Alnahda, such as the Masaruky initiative, which helped thousands of women learn to drive and obtain a license as part of their journey into the workforce. In addition, Uber will host its first GigSister event in Saudi Arabia, a dedicated community space where female drivers can connect, share experiences, and support one another. The event is part of a broader global initiative to foster community among gig workers. Uber has a history of programs tailored to the Saudi market, including the Wusool initiative, which has provided over 20 million subsidized rides for women commuting to work. Another notable feature, Women Rider Preference, allows women drivers to choose whether to accept rides only from female riders. These initiatives have been designed to break down barriers to employment and enhance access to safe, reliable transportation for women across the Kingdom. 'With this latest product launch and our new partnerships, Uber is going beyond transportation,' said Abouseif. 'We are actively investing in the development and success of women across Saudi Arabia by integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights into our platform.'