Female Saudi Arabian drivers have shared their perspectives with Uber, which is well-known for its UberTaxi service, emphasizing the importance of financial independence and safety. According to data, over 76 percent of participants drive with Uber due to the desire for financial independence. The study included female drivers from both Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Of those surveyed, more than 56 percent mentioned that they use the money they earn from driving for Uber to support their families, and 47 percent reported feeling more financially secure.
Moreover, an overwhelming majority (77 percent) expressed feeling safe while driving with Uber, attributing this sense of security to the platform's localized features, like the "women preferred view" that allows female drivers to connect with women riders.
The survey also indicated that over half of the participants aspire to continue working with Uber, seeing it as an avenue for professional growth and development. As part of its commitment to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, Uber remains dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the country. The company provides increased safety precautions, income prospects, and flexibility to female drivers.
Uber's "Wusool," a subsidized women empowerment program initiated in 2017, has significantly contributed to female labor participation in Saudi Arabia. By 2021, the program has supported more than 120,000 women, enabling them to take 20 million trips to and from their workplaces. As a result, female labor participation in the country has risen to 37 percent as of mid-2022.
The general manager of Uber Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Al-Juraish, expressed pride in the company's contribution to the financial independence and empowerment of women in the Kingdom. He noted the diversity of the drivers who use the Uber app by pointing out that the ages of the female drivers range from 21 to 46. These drivers are motivated by various factors, such as the desire to empower themselves, the need to overcome cultural obstacles, and the desire to support their families.
Al-Juraish emphasized Uber's commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions and utilizing its extensive worldwide knowledge to meet riders' mobility concerns. The company aims to continue contributing to the advancement of women in Saudi Arabia while promoting a more inclusive and empowered society.
