Saudi transport minister approved 100% Saudization of ride-hailing apps

Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport.
Short Url
Updated 13 January 2021
Follow

Saudi transport minister approved 100% Saudization of ride-hailing apps

  • The percentage of non-Saudis working in this field fell to 4 percent only of total workforce, the minister noted

Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Chairman of the Public Transport Authority (PTA), approved 100% localization of the ride-hailing activity, limiting work to nationals with respect to public and private vehicles or through facilities, according to state-run SPA.

The percentage of non-Saudis working in this field fell to 4 percent only of total workforce, the minister noted.

He also cited a number of initiatives that were taken to boost job opportunities for nationals in this field, including amendments to the traffic rules to enable the operation of private vehicles in ride-hailing activity. Moreover, an agreement was signed with the Social Development Bank on funding the purchase of private vehicles.

Moreover, the ministry signed an agreement with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Human Resources Fund to provide subsidies for Saudis, at 40 percent of their income, or SR2,400 ($640) maximum, for those providing rides in rush hours.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

Updated 19 February 2026
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 208.20 points, or 1.87 percent, to close at 10,947.25. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.80 billion ($1.28 billion), as 14 of the listed stocks advanced, while 253 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 25.35 points, or 1.69 percent, to close at 1,477.71. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 217.90 points, or 0.92 percent, to close at 23,404.75. This came as 24 of the listed stocks advanced, while 43 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Musharaka REIT Fund, with its share price up 2.12 percent to SR4.34. 

Other top performers included Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., which saw its share price rise by 1.18 percent to SR17.20, and Saudi Industrial Export Co., which saw a 0.8 percent increase to SR2.51. 

On the downside, Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. was among the day’s biggest decliners, with its share price falling 9.3 percent to SR39. 

National Medical Care Co. fell 8.98 percent to SR128.80, while National Co. for Learning and Education declined 6.35 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcements front, Red Sea International said its subsidiary, the Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Co., has entered into a framework agreement with King Salman International Airport Development Co. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company noted that the agreement establishes the general terms and conditions for the execution of enabling works at the King Salman International Airport project in Riyadh.  

Under the 48-month contract, the scope of work includes the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.  

Utilizing a re-measurement model, specific work orders will be issued on a call-off basis, with the final contract value to be determined upon the completion and measurement of actual quantities executed.  

The financial impact of this collaboration is expected to begin reflecting on the company’s statements starting in the first quarter of 2026, the statement said. 

The company’s share price reached SR23.05, marking a 2.45 percent decrease on the main market.