Uber has launched a groundbreaking new feature in Saudi Arabia—‘Women Drivers’—designed to offer female passengers the choice to book rides exclusively with women drivers. This initiative, live as of July 2025 and available across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, aligns with evolving societal expectations, technological innovation, and ongoing shifts in gender dynamics across the Kingdom.
How the ‘Women Drivers’ Feature Works
Female Uber users in Saudi Arabia can now enable the ‘Women Drivers’ option directly within the app’s settings. Once active, the platform automatically prioritizes matching the rider with a woman driver whenever one is available nearby. This enhanced control is aimed at boosting the comfort and peace of mind of women traveling alone, especially during late hours or in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Key Steps:
- Open the Uber app and access settings.
- Switch on the ‘Women Drivers’ preference.
- Book a ride as usual—the system filters requests to match with women drivers if possible.
This service expands on Uber’s earlier ‘Women Preferred View,’ which let women drivers receive trip requests solely from female passengers, helping create a mutually comfortable ride environment.
Built with Local Values and User Feedback
Uber’s decision to introduce the ‘Women Drivers’ feature stemmed from extensive local research and a strong pattern of feedback. Since the historic lifting of Saudi Arabia’s driving ban on women in 2018, the company has observed consistent demand from female riders for more private, gender-sensitive travel options.
Through in-app surveys and focus groups, Uber identified the top priorities for women riders:
- Increased privacy and comfort, especially when traveling alone
- Assurance of safety
- The ability to align ride experiences with cultural norms
By responding to these preferences, Uber demonstrates a commitment to cultural sensitivity, women’s empowerment, and flexible, user-first technology in the Kingdom.
More Women on Saudi Roads
The introduction of this feature isn’t just about rider comfort—it’s also set to drive up the number of women behind the wheel. Since 2018, many Saudi women have found economic opportunity through ride-hailing apps, citing benefits such as:
- Flexible working hours
- Supplemental or primary income
- A sense of empowerment and increased mobility
With the new gender-specific matching, Uber hopes to further empower women to join as drivers, increase ride availability during peak hours, and meet the rising demand among female riders for women-led journeys.
Regional Implications: Could the UAE Be Next?
The UAE remains a pioneer in gender-inclusive transport with initiatives such as women-only taxis, designated compartments on public metro lines, and exclusive driving schools. While Uber has yet to announce the expansion of the ‘Women Drivers’ feature to cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the infrastructure and demand are clearly present.
As ride-hailing becomes more popular and rider personalization grows within the UAE, it’s likely that such features could roll out soon—especially if the Saudi model is proven successful in boosting rider confidence and driver participation.
Part of a Broader Regional Transformation
This initiative is emblematic of broader reforms taking shape under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which champions women’s workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. Technology companies—especially those in mobility and service sectors—are increasingly reshaping their offerings to match the rapidly changing societal landscape of the Gulf.
By prioritizing privacy, comfort, and opportunity, Uber’s ‘Women Drivers’ feature represents a positive step toward making personal mobility safer and more inclusive.
Final Thoughts
The new Uber feature is more than just an update—it’s a significant move toward gender-responsive technology and service in Saudi Arabia. As it expands across cities, it’s poised to reshape the way women commute, offering them greater flexibility, safety, and autonomy in their daily travels. The success of ‘Women Drivers’ is likely to serve as a blueprint for regional ride-hailing services, supporting both customers and drivers and accelerating the shift toward a more inclusive, digitally connected future in the GCC.
