Saudi Arabia lifted the driving ban for women in 2018. Uber and Careem then launched programs to recruit female drivers. The number of women drivers increased significantly. Many women use ride-hailing for financial stability.

Uber Technology has teamed up with Saudi Arabia-backed electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors and US robotics company Nuro to launch a global robotaxi programme, as the race towards self-driving transport accelerates.

Uber has launched a 'Women Drivers' feature in Saudi Arabia, allowing female riders to request female drivers. The initiative aims to boost safety perceptions and economic opportunities for women in the conservative kingdom. Saudi Arabia has made several reforms to increase women's freedoms and is actively working to attract more female travelers.

Uber (UBER) is betting big on robotaxis, with pure-play electric vehicle maker Lucid (LCID) as its partner. The two companies, along with autonomous tech firm Nuro (NURO.PVT), announced on Thursday morning a “next-generation premium global robotaxi program” exclusively for the Uber platform.

Uber will roll out 20,000 self-driving Lucid Gravity SUVs from 2025 in a $300m investment deal, signalling a major push into autonomous ride-hailing in the US and beyond.

Lucid’s stock zooms to best day in months after Uber becomes the EV maker’s latest backer and the companies hatch a plan to launch robotaxis.

By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all.

The partnership with Uber stunned the Wall Street skyrocketing the Lucid Motors stock by more than 30% in a single day. Lucid Motors stock closed near $3.60 after hovering around $2.75 before the news.

In today's pod we look at travel talent and AI, New York City's climate challenges, and Uber's female-friendly update.

The ride-sharing giant has agreed to buy 20,000 vehicles from Lucid Group to operate as a fleet of robotaxis. The Lucid Gravity SUVs, which use technology from robotics company Nuro, will be deployed over a six-year period, starting in a major US city next year.

Seven years after female driving ban was lifted in Saudi Arabia, Uber unveils a new option allowing women to book rides exclusively with female drivers