Uber Launches ‘Women Drivers’ Feature in Saudi Arabia to Boost Female Empowerment

As Saudi Arabia marks the seventh anniversary of lifting the ban on women driving, Uber has announced the rollout of a new in-app feature called Women Drivers, which will allow female riders to be paired exclusively with female drivers. The new feature is set to launch in the coming weeks and is part of the company’s broader commitment to gender inclusivity and economic empowerment in the Kingdom.

The feature enables women to choose rides operated solely by women, offering them more control over their mobility experience. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes increased female participation in the workforce.

“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 achieving Saudi Vision 2030.”

The Women Drivers option will be accessible through the Uber app and priced similarly to UberX. It will also be available on Uber Reserve, allowing users to schedule a ride up to 30 minutes in advance. Uber emphasized that the new feature aims to increase flexibility for women drivers and provide a more comfortable experience for female passengers.

As part of the initiative, Uber has partnered with the Alnahda Society, a Saudi non-profit organization that has been working since 1962 to economically and socially empower women. This collaboration will support community-focused programs centered on mobility, financial literacy, and employment opportunities through ride-hailing.

The partnership builds on past efforts like the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of Saudi women in learning to drive and obtaining licenses. Uber also highlighted its involvement in the Wusool program, which has provided more than 20 million subsidized rides to help women commute to work.

Additionally, Uber announced plans to host its first GigSister event in Saudi Arabia—part of a global program designed to foster a sense of community among women working in the gig economy. The event will offer a platform for female drivers to connect, share experiences, and find support.

“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.”

The announcement reflects Uber’s growing role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving mobility landscape, where increasing numbers of women are taking the wheel—both literally and figuratively.