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As Saudi Arabia celebrates the seventh anniversary of lifting the driving ban on women, Uber has unveiled a new feature named Women Drivers. This initiative will pair female riders exclusively with female drivers, and is expected to launch within the upcoming weeks as part of Uber’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women economically in the country.
This innovative feature aims to enhance transportation options for women while providing more flexibility and opportunities for women behind the wheel. Additionally, it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to increase female workforce participation.
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“We are excited to see this transformative shift occurring in Saudi Arabia,” said Youssef Abouseif, the General Manager of Uber Saudi Arabia. “The introduction of the Women Drivers feature underlines our commitment to empowering women and facilitating their mobility and economic freedom. We believe that initiatives like this are crucial to accomplishing Saudi Vision 2030.”
A seamless experience for female riders
The Women Drivers option will operate similarly to the UberX service, with pricing remaining consistent with existing rates. Women can simply select this feature within the Uber app to guarantee that they are matched exclusively with female drivers.
For those who prefer to arrange their trips in advance, this feature will also be available via Uber Reserve, enabling riders to book a journey with a female driver up to 30 minutes ahead of time.
“The evolution of transportation is heading towards electric, shared, and autonomous vehicles—but also towards inclusivity,” Abouseif noted. “By offering women greater choices, additional opportunities, and a stronger community spirit, we are building a platform that benefits everyone.”
This announcement showcases Uber’s ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving transportation sector, where an increasing number of women are engaging with ride-hailing services both as drivers and passengers.
Partnership with Alnahda and community support
To support the launch, Uber has collaborated with Alnahda Society, a significant non-profit organization in Saudi Arabia focused on empowering women socially and economically. Established in 1962, Alnahda has a long history of advocating and implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Saudi women.
This partnership will facilitate programs that emphasize mobility and financial literacy, providing women with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve economic independence—including the chance to earn income by driving with the Uber app.
This initiative builds upon previous collaborations between Uber and Alnahda, such as the Masaruky initiative, which enabled thousands of women to gain driving skills and obtain their licenses as a step towards entering the workforce.
Furthermore, Uber plans to host its inaugural GigSister event in Saudi Arabia, which will serve as a dedicated space for female drivers to network, exchange experiences, and offer mutual support. This event is part of a global effort to nurture community among gig workers.
Uber has also developed various programs tailored for the Saudi market, including the Wusool initiative, which has delivered over 20 million subsidized rides for women commuting to their places of work. Another significant feature, Women Rider Preference, allows female drivers to opt for rides exclusively from women passengers.
These initiatives aim to dismantle employment barriers and ensure safe, reliable transportation access for women throughout the Kingdom.
“With this latest product rollout and our new partnerships, Uber is extending its reach beyond transportation,” stated Abouseif. “We are actively engaging in the growth and success of women in Saudi Arabia by incorporating innovation, empowerment, and local insights into our services.”