Uber has added a new option within its platform in Saudi Arabia that enables female passengers to book rides only with women drivers. The feature, called ‘Women Drivers’, is aimed at giving women more control over their travel preferences within the app.
Seven years after Saudi Arabia lifted the driving ban on women, the region continues to evolve—technology and mobility now intersect more deeply than ever.
By adding this option, Uber is responding to a pattern in user behaviour observed since 2018—where many women riders expressed greater comfort travelling with female drivers.
How the feature works for riders
Once enabled, the “Women Drivers” feature ensures that female riders are only matched with women behind the wheel.
Available in select cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the option can be activated directly within the Uber app settings. When switched on, the app automatically filters matches to prioritise female drivers, depending on availability in the area.
This new feature builds on an earlier setting introduced by Uber known as the “Women Preferred View”, which allowed women drivers to limit their ride requests to female riders.
Designed with local preferences in mind
The decision to launch this feature was not made overnight. Uber has conducted several rounds of internal research in Saudi Arabia since women were legally allowed to drive.
The feedback highlighted a consistent need for privacy, comfort, and the reassurance of travelling with someone of the same gender—particularly during solo trips.
By aligning app features with social preferences, Uber is creating a safer and more flexible space for both riders and drivers in a region where cultural values are a core part of daily life.
More women behind the wheel in Saudi Arabia
Since 2018, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women signing up as drivers across various platforms in Saudi Arabia.
Uber has stated that many of these women value the independence, flexible work hours, and income opportunity the platform offers. By expanding ride-matching options for female drivers, the company expects more women to consider driving as a viable income stream.
The feature could also help address driver availability during peak hours, while giving female riders peace of mind during their daily commutes or late-night bookings.
Will similar features be introduced in the UAE?
The UAE has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to gender-inclusive public transport services. Dubai, for example, offers female taxi services, metro cabins designated for women, and driving schools dedicated to women learners.
Although Uber hasn’t confirmed a UAE launch for the “Women Drivers” feature, the potential certainly exists. As ride-hailing continues to grow in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, features that prioritise personal comfort and rider choice may soon become a standard part of the experience.
The success of the new feature in Saudi Arabia will likely influence how regional ride-hailing platforms evolve.
Part of a bigger regional shift
This development also falls in line with broader social and economic shifts across the GCC, especially under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce, supporting entrepreneurship, and promoting digital integration are among the programme’s key targets.
Technology companies operating in the region are increasingly aligning their offerings to reflect this changing landscape. Ride-hailing platforms, in particular, are adapting quickly, offering services that meet the evolving expectations of users while respecting local customs.
Uber’s latest app feature is a step forward in enhancing how women engage with mobility services in Saudi Arabia. It offers a custom experience that caters to privacy preferences and opens new work avenues for women drivers.
As the feature goes live across major cities in the Kingdom, it is likely to reshape how women commute, offering flexibility, safety, and choice in a practical, app-based solution.
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