Saudi male and female drivers collectively earned over $533 million through ride-hailing apps in 2024, marking a 26% surge in trip volume. Transport General Authority (TGA) data reveals 80.5 million rides completed, underscoring rising demand for smart mobility solutions.
Dr. Rumaih Al Rumaih, TGA Acting President, linked this growth to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals during Uber’s annual economic impact report launch. The initiative promotes tech-driven sectors, with ride-hailing contributing 1.2% to non-oil GDP. Regulatory reforms and investments in urban mobility infrastructure further accelerated adoption.
Women Accelerate Workforce Participation
Female driver numbers soared by 48%, reaching 22,000, as apps like Uber and Careem expand flexible income opportunities. This aligns with Vision 2030’s target to increase women’s workforce participation to 30%. Riyadh and Jeddah lead in female driver registrations, supported by tailored training programs.
TGA’s updated frameworks enabled a 27% rise in registered drivers, totaling 332,000 nationwide. Enhanced customer satisfaction metrics—shorter wait times, faster ride acceptance, and improved vehicle standards—highlight operational efficiencies. Dr. Al Rumaih reiterated plans to integrate AI-driven dispatch systems and dynamic pricing models by 2025.
Electric Vehicles Accelerate Future Mobility Goals
Saudi Arabia aims to electrify 50% of ride-hailing fleets by 2030, aligning with carbon reduction targets. Partnerships with EV manufacturers like Ceer and Lucid Motors will incentivize driver transitions. TGA also explores autonomous vehicle trials, positioning the Kingdom as a regional smart mobility leader.
Global tech firms have injected 500 million into Saudi ride –hailing startups since 2022. Uber’s 300 million MENA expansion fund prioritizes Saudi market innovations, including eco-friendly ride options and Arabic-language app features.
Sustained Growth Anchors Economic Diversification
The sector’s SAR2 billion ($533 million) annual revenue underscores its role in job creation and GDP diversification. With 94% user satisfaction rates, ride-hailing apps now serve 45% of Saudi commuters daily, reducing private vehicle reliance and traffic congestion.
TGA’s 2025 strategy prioritizes blockchain for fare transparency and IoT-enabled safety tools. These advancements aim to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global benchmark for tech-driven transport ecosystems.
