Uber has announced “Masaruky” (“your path” in Arabic) — a two year initiative that aims to increase women’s participation in the workforce through access to affordable transportation, in addition to increasing women’s access to flexible, part-time economic opportunities through the Uber technology.
The campaign will kick off with an initial SR1 million ($270,000) pledge to make driving schools accessible to more women who are interested in learning how to drive but may not have the resources to do so.
Anthony Khoury, Uber regional general manager, said: “With Masaruky and the announcement of the SR1 million pledge, we’re seeking to contribute to this new chapter for female mobility in the Kingdom. In the same way that our technology has brought a positive impact to more than 18 cities around the Kingdom, this will help us in further supporting women toward achieving their economic ambitions and goals — because not only do we enable more convenient ways to move around cities, but we also strive to drive change that is positive, meaningful and economically empowering”
This comes on the back of months of research to understand what transport solutions will best serve Saudi women on the road to Vision 2030. There are currently 1.3 million women in the Saudi workplace — 22 percent of the total workforce, a figure that the Kingdom’s government expects to increase to 30 percent by 2030.
The research, in collaboration with Ipsos, has found that 93 percent of Saudi women were positive about the recent lifting of the driving ban, mostly because it will allow them more flexibility to work. About 78 percent said they are likely to get a driving license post ban removal, and almost a third (31 percent) of those surveyed, indicated that they were interested in driving as an earning opportunity. An efficient way to make some extra disposable income and flexible hours were cited as some of the top reasons driving could be an earning opportunity for women in Uber.
Uber has been well received by driver-partners in the Kingdom since its launch. The company recently announced that it has already registered over 150,000 Saudi partner-drivers on the app, 65 percent of whom utilize Uber part-time.
Uber pledges SR1m to support women’s driving in Kingdom
Uber pledges SR1m to support women’s driving in Kingdom
31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences
The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, launched with an unforgettable opening weekend, with dazzling live performances, shows and events.
Running until Jan. 11, the DSF extravaganza is transforming Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.
Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend saw high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, which set the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.
e& DSF Nights
Adding style and glamor to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi dazzled audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show wowed fans on Dec. 6, at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue showcased stunning fireworks complementing an evening of cultural vibrancy and celebration.
As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event featured interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hatta mountain experiences
DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.
Candlelight Concerts by Fever
Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for 70 dirhams ($28). Kids eight years and below are welcome to join the children’s concert taking place on Dec. 13 for free.
Dinner in the Sky
This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 meters above ground, experience a stunning dinner for 300 dirhams.
Breathtaking shows
Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerizing technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with color and creativity, symbolizing Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronized drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.
Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via Platinumlist.net. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.
