New Ride-Hailing Rules: Saudi Drivers Only, Face ID

The Transport General Authority has issued updated regulations covering taxis, taxi brokers, and ride-hailing (e-hailing) vehicle services across the Kingdom, aiming to raise service quality, strengthen driver training and passenger safety, boost investment and operational efficiency, and protect the rights of all contracting parties.

Under the new framework, every ride-hailing and taxi application must obtain a license from the Authority to operate on the Saudi network, and each app must be linked to the Authority's digital systems. Applications that fail to connect face a fine of SAR 5,000. Services must also integrate technically with the Authority's electronic driver registration platform and its facial recognition system once implementation is complete.

The regulations confirm that independent ride-hailing work through apps is restricted exclusively to Saudi citizens using their own private vehicles. Employing expatriates as ride-hailing drivers to carry passengers breaches labor, residency, and traffic rules; offending drivers face SAR 5,000 fines, while companies risk having their licenses cancelled and their apps blocked.

Driver registration and facial recognition

Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, a centralized electronic driver registration platform serves as the primary regulatory tool for ride-hailing and delivery drivers. It records and verifies driver data, confirms vehicle information, and maintains accurate records for all registered drivers. Any driver who is not registered and verified through the portal is blocked from receiving orders or trips on ride-hailing apps. Access is available through the Authority's digital channels.

The Authority has also adopted AI-powered facial recognition to confirm that the person operating the vehicle matches the registered account. The rollout is tied to the driver registration platform and scheduled during the first quarter, and is designed to prevent account sharing and "ghost driving."

For residents and commuters in the Kingdom's cities, the changes are intended to make everyday trips safer and more reliable, ensuring the driver who arrives is the verified, licensed person behind the account.

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