Marking the seventh anniversary of women driving in the Kingdom, Uber is strengthening its commitment to women’s empowerment by launching the new “Women Drivers” product, which allows female riders to exclusively choose female drivers, alongside a strategic partnership with the Al-Nahda Society and the “GigSister” community initiative.
Introduction: Seven years of empowerment
In a significant step coinciding with the seventh anniversary of women starting to drive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Uber has announced its intention to launch a new and innovative product called “Women Drivers”. This feature, specifically designed for the Saudi market, will give female riders the ability to request trips exclusively with female drivers through the Uber app, reflecting the company’s firm commitment to supporting women’s empowerment by providing flexible economic opportunities and enhancing safe and comfortable transportation options.
“Women Drivers” product: More choices and greater empowerment
The new “Women Drivers” product allows female riders to easily book a trip with a female driver via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women who wish to work as drivers while simultaneously enhancing choices for female riders who may prefer traveling with a female driver. This initiative aligns with Uber’s long-term vision to build a more inclusive and diverse platform, embodying its continuous commitment to supporting women’s contribution to the Saudi economy in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Designed to be user-friendly, the product provides greater confidence and empowerment for women. It will be rolled out gradually to riders in the coming weeks with two main options:
- On-demand: Female riders can select “Women Drivers” from the product sub-menu, where it operates in the same way as the “UberX” service and at the same prices.
- Pre-booking: Through the “Uber Reserve” feature, female riders who want more planning can book a trip with a female driver up to 30 minutes in advance.
Strategic partnership with Al-Nahda Society
Alongside the launch of the new product, Uber is proud to announce its partnership with the Al-Nahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 aimed at economically and socially empowering women. This collaboration seeks to support women in the transportation field through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, to equip them with the essential skills required to achieve economic independence. This partnership opens new horizons of opportunity, including driving via the Uber app, and is an extension of previous cooperation under the “Masariki” initiative, which supported thousands of women in entering the job market.
“GigSister” community: Building a strong support network
Uber also intends to organize the first events of the “GigSister” program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This event will provide a dedicated space for female drivers registered on the Uber app to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight that Uber goes beyond the concept of transportation to actively invest in women’s development and empowerment across the Kingdom.
Mohammed Al-Ghafli, General Manager of Uber in Saudi Arabia, stated: “The launch of the ‘Women Drivers’ product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We continue to support women who have chosen to drive via the Uber app by providing them with more choices, opportunities, and a stronger sense of community.”
Conclusion: An inclusive future of mobility
Over the years, Uber has launched a series of programs in the Kingdom, starting with the “Wusool” initiative, which provided more than 20 million subsidized trips for women, up to the “women-only rider preference” feature for drivers. By combining innovation, empowerment, and local knowledge, Uber continues to deliver effective solutions that meet the aspirations of women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With the launch of this new product and additional partnerships, Uber affirms its commitment to building an inclusive, supportive, and advanced platform for everyone.
