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 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.