Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Uber has cemented its role as a key driver of economic growth in Saudi Arabia, contributing SAR 1.1 billion to the Kingdom’s economy.
According to its latest Economic Impact Report, Uber has transformed mobility, supported local businesses, and created new earning opportunities over the past decade aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
The report, presented at an event attended by government and industry leaders, highlights Uber’s impact on employment, with drivers earning an additional SAR 270 million in 2023. Nearly a quarter of them leveraged the platform to start or grow their businesses, while the flexibility of Uber’s model was valued at SAR 400 million.
Tourism and hospitality have also benefited significantly, with Uber generating SAR 500 million for the sector in 2023. Visitors from over 150 countries used the app, and 69% of riders relied on Uber to explore new restaurants and cafes.
In a push for greater workforce inclusion, Uber’s Wusool initiative, in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), provided over 20 million subsidized rides for Saudi women, supporting their participation in the labor market. Additionally, innovations such as Women Preferred View and Uber Reserve have enhanced mobility, making Saudi Arabia Uber’s largest market for female drivers in the Middle East.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Youssef Abouseif, General Manager of Uber in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: “Over the past decade, Uber has helped shape modern mobility and created tangible economic opportunities for thousands of people across the Kingdom. This report reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious growth and innovation goals, in line with Vision 2030. We are grateful for the Kingdom’s continued leadership and vision driving Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and technological advancement and we look forward to continuing to be a trusted partner in the country’s future.”
Since its launch in Riyadh in 2014, Uber has expanded to key cities including Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca, and Khobar, becoming an integral part of everyday transportation in the Kingdom.