KSA first in GCC to launch UberTaxi service

Mohammad Gazzaz, general manager of Uber in Saudi Arabia, said the new service is aligned with the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program.
Updated 29 September 2019
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KSA first in GCC to launch UberTaxi service

Uber Saudi Arabia has launched the UberTaxi service in the Kingdom, offering seamless taxi rides via the Uber app at the tap of a button. Saudi Arabia is the first market in the GCC region to benefit from the UberTaxi service. The company said the move is testament to Uber’s dedication to the Kingdom in further advancing the mobility system and serving the needs of its cities, taxi companies and riders.
Uber aims to enhance mobility options across the Kingdom and contribute toward its growth and modernization through its services. This is in line with the National Transformation Program, one of its initiatives being improving the quality of urban transportation services.
While Saudi Arabia has one of the largest road networks in the world connecting major cities and providing extensive means to transport passengers, UberTaxi’s launch serves as further investment in the Kingdom, and offers Uber riders an additional option to move in and around their cities.
Mohammad Gazzaz, general manager of Uber in Saudi Arabia, said: “I am delighted to announce the arrival of UberTaxi in the Kingdom. We are excited to be tapping into local modes of transport so more riders and drivers can benefit from our technology. Our new service is aligned with the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program, specifically on improving the quality of transportation networks across the Kingdom. Through this launch, we hope to further support the development of transportation services, and be a part of the Kingdom’s future transportation network.”

HIGHLGHT

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently stated that the Kingdom is a top-priority market for Uber in the GCC, and hence the launch of UberTaxi is a significant milestone for the brand in making reliable transportation affordable in Saudi Arabia.

UberTaxi can be accessed through the Uber app as another choice in service in addition to UberX. The rider will then be matched to the nearest taxi in the exact same way they are matched with any other service on Uber. Currently, thousands of taxi drivers have already been on-boarded on the application, and have started accepting trips.
Both riders and drivers will be able to benefit from the same safety features available across all other Uber products including features such as trip sharing, which allows drivers and riders to share details with friends and family during the trip, speed alerts, a feature which reminds drivers to drive within the posted speed limits, the emergency button which connects riders or drivers to emergency assistance whenever needed, and caller anonymization where riders and drivers are able to call each other while maintaining the privacy of their number. Taxi drivers will also benefit from the same privileges provided to all Uber drivers.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently stated that the Kingdom is a top-priority market for Uber in the GCC, and hence the launch of UberTaxi is a significant milestone for the brand in making reliable transportation affordable for residents and visitors across Saudi Arabia.


ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Updated 07 January 2026
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ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has launched the second edition of its off-road initiative — an immersive driving experience designed to engage guests and showcase the real-world capabilities of Toyota’s SUV lineup in the Kingdom’s desert terrains. The activation takes place on weekends, starting initially in Riyadh and continuing through Jeddah, before concluding in Dammam on Jan. 24.
The multi-city activation is designed to engage guests through Toyota’s SUV lineup in fun and exciting ways, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience vehicle performance, control, and versatility. The lineup features a wide range of Toyota SUV models, including the Land Cruiser HEV Max, a hybrid vehicle built for performance. Beyond the off-road drives, the activation offers a welcoming weekend setting with supporting activities suitable for families and younger guests, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which welcomed more than 4,500 participants and attracted over 10,000 attendees, the second edition continues to focus on meaningful guest engagement through interactive and experiential driving activities while emphasizing safety, trust, and enjoyment. Through this approach, ALJ Motors champions Toyota’s off-road legacy while creating an experience that further connects guests with Toyota’s renowned SUV lineup.
Shahad Nassier, managing director of marketing communications at ALJ Motors, said: “Following the strong response to the inaugural season, the return of this off-road experience allows us to continue engaging our guests in an authentic and exciting way. In this second edition, we have further refined the driving routes and elevated the overall experience to better serve our guests and their families. By bringing Toyota’s SUV lineup into real desert environments, we provide an opportunity for guests to experience vehicle performance firsthand, while reinforcing the values of reliability and capability that have long defined Toyota’s presence in the Kingdom.”
The experiential initiative deepens guest relationships, supports informed vehicle choice, and reflects ALJ Motors’ ongoing role in delivering reliable and diversified mobility solutions across the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. 
Guests interested in participating in the off-road experience can register for the upcoming activations in Jeddah on Jan. 9-10, followed by Dammam on Jan. 16-17 and 23-24, through ALJ Motors’ official social channels.