Being Uber in Saudi Arabia

Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers at the push of a button, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for partner drivers and transport operators.

This is exactly the reason we are so excited to be in Saudi Arabia.

To start with the basics, we are first and foremost a technology company, and licensed to operate by SAGIA. Uber does not own cars or employ drivers; instead we partner with transport providers in Saudi Arabia that use our platform to connect riders to drivers. We are operating in a new space that brings technology to the transport sector, and we have been engaging the government to share our international experience in order to develop best practice regulations for the Kingdom. The government has been extremely progressive and forward thinking in their approach by forming a committee to address both the appropriate role of this new technology in the transport sector and engage Uber as the recognized leader in the space. 

On the driver side, we are actively working with Saudi nationals to join our platform, as both drivers and entrepreneurs. We are currently developing programs that will create more work opportunities as well as provide potential partner drivers with opportunities for favorable financing and educational support. Our goal is to create economic opportunities for more than 100,000 Saudi drivers in 5 years.

On the rider side, we estimate that more than 80% of our riders in Saudi Arabia are female. Riders constantly tell us that Uber has become an integral part of their daily routine, helping them run their errands, attend school, or go to the office.  We are proud that our technology is enabling greater access to education and jobs for women, and with the number of working women in Saudi expected to rise from 18 percent to 45 percent by 2030, we are committed to being the number one choice in how they move around their cities.

Most recently, we announced a $250 million investment in the MENA region. Much of this is going to building our Saudi team, our business operations, and the continued development of our innovative technology, including new features tailored to this market.

Uber is about more than just moving people; it’s about becoming woven into the fabric of every city we operate in.