Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — September 2025: At the Money 20/20 Middle East conference in Riyadh, Saudi ICT Shopper News sat down with Abdulrahman Alsager, Country Manager of inDrive Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ride-hailing company’s expansion plans, unique peer-to-peer model, and long-term vision for the Kingdom.
inDrive, already operating in 48 countries worldwide, is disrupting the ride-hailing sector with its peer-to-peer bidding system, where passengers propose a fare and drivers (captains) can accept, reject, or negotiate. “This freedom of choice creates transparency and fairness for both drivers and customers,” said Alsager.
After successfully launching in Jeddah, inDrive has now chosen Riyadh as its next city, aligning the launch with Saudi National Day (September 23). “Localization is at the heart of our strategy, and National Day provided the perfect opportunity to connect with Saudi riders,” Alsager added.
One of inDrive’s strongest value propositions is its low commission model, which it says is among the most competitive in the market. “We believe commissions should be fair to captains. That’s why we focus on keeping them low, while maintaining sustainable profitability through internal strategic planning,” Alsager explained.
On operational challenges, Alsager highlighted compliance with Saudi Arabia’s strict ride-hailing regulations as the company’s top priority. He also noted the importance of improving customer quality, rider experience, and addressing Riyadh’s longer travel distances compared to Jeddah.
Looking beyond the ride-hailing space, inDrive has pledged to impact one billion lives by 2030 through initiatives tied to education, culture, sustainability, and gender equality. While Saudi-specific programs are still in development, Alsager confirmed that partnerships with government and private entities are underway.
When asked how inDrive will differentiate itself in a crowded Saudi ride-hailing market, Alsager emphasized transparency and empowerment. Unlike many competitors, customers can view detailed captain profiles and make their own choice without algorithm interference. “We give power to the people,” he said.
Safety remains a cornerstone of inDrive’s model, with facial recognition for drivers, government-linked background checks, ride-sharing features, and emergency contact options integrated into the app.
Alsager, who brings previous experience from Careem and other transport startups, said his goal is to position inDrive as one of the most reliable and trusted ride-hailing services in Saudi Arabia. “Our vision is not just about rides—it’s about creating meaningful impact for both drivers and riders,” he concluded.
inDrive is now fully operating in Jeddah and will begin Riyadh operations from September 23, 2025, as part of its ambitious plan to expand across the Kingdom.
