Riyadh – Sarikat Mubasher: Global ride-hailing platform inDrive officially received regulatory approval to operate smart transport services in Saudi Arabia.
The company, which has already begun operations in Jeddah, is gearing up for a full-scale launch across the country, as reported by Alriyadh newspaper.
With offices in both Riyadh and Jeddah, inDrive is exploring expansion into more cities across the Kingdom in 2025. Originally founded in Siberia, the company has rapidly gained traction in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The app has been downloaded over 280 million times, and Saudi Arabia marks its 49th market globally.
Commenting on the launch, Abdulrahman Basallum, inDrive country manager in the Kingdom, said: “The unique operational model of inDrive, where the driver and passenger determine the price, has been groundbreaking. This has allowed the company to challenge the dominance of large players who, taking advantage of their monopoly, charge exorbitant 25-40 percent commissions from drivers. The economy of Saudi Arabia is one of the central ones in the region, and thousands of people make daily trips, paying unclear fares, while drivers face huge service fees. We believe we have a great opportunity to provide residents and visitors of Saudi Arabia with excellent service at a fair price and with transparent conditions.”
inDrive’s peer-to-peer pricing model allows riders to propose a fare, which drivers can accept, decline, or counter—without financial penalties. This model ensures pricing is fair and agreed upon by both parties. Users also have the ability to choose drivers or passengers based on past reviews and pricing preferences.
A key differentiator for inDrive is its low service fees, which are typically two to three times lower than competitors, including major global players with stronger market penetration. This strategy has allowed inDrive to outperform many well-funded companies through organic growth and word-of-mouth marketing.
Backed by major global investors including Insight Partners, Bond Capital, and General Catalyst, inDrive was valued at $1.23 billion in its last public funding round in 2021. Since then, the company’s revenues have multiplied several times.
inDrive’s mission goes beyond transport; it aims to promote social equity, with a goal to positively impact over 1 billion people by 2030. The company is already implementing social initiatives in education, sports, culture, the environment, and gender equality across MENA, particularly in Egypt and Morocco, and now plans to roll out similar programs in Saudi Arabia by reinvesting part of its revenues locally.
Globally, inDrive continues to prioritize user safety, employing the latest verification and trip-tracking technologies. Its customer support team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and ensure secure experiences for users.
With a bold entry into Saudi Arabia, inDrive is not just offering a ride—it’s delivering a new model of fairness, choice, and community impact.
