Saudi Arabia has seen rapid development and economic growth over the past few decades. This has led to an increasing demand for drivers to transport people, goods and materials across the large country. As infrastructure projects continue and cities expand, driver job openings are expected to steadily rise in the coming years.
Growth of Transportation Industry Creating Driver Demand
The transportation industry in Saudi Arabia is booming. Major investments in roads, railways, airports, and seaports have built up the infrastructure for transporting people and cargo. These projects include metro systems in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah, a high-speed rail line connecting Makkah and Madinah, and massive expansions at airports and seaports.
As these transportation networks grow, more drivers are needed. The public transportation systems require bus drivers, while logistics and delivery companies need truck drivers to move goods between cities and ports. Chauffeurs and limousine drivers are also in demand to transport business people and wealthy individuals.
Types of Driver Jobs Available
Here are some of the main driver job categories seeing increased openings in Saudi Arabia:
Bus Drivers
Public bus drivers are needed in growing numbers, especially in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. The metro and bus networks being built require qualified drivers to take passengers on routes across these urban areas. Jobs are available with both public transit authorities and private bus companies contracted for services.
Truck Drivers
Truck driving jobs transport cargo containers from Saudi ports to inland destinations. With major expansions at ports like King Abdullah Port Yanbu, more drivers are essential for moving imports and exports across the country by road. Fuel truck drivers are also required to transport gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products.
Delivery Drivers
E-commerce growth and online shopping services mean more delivery drivers are needed for home grocery drop-offs, food deliveries, and transporting consumer goods bought online. Driving jobs with Amazon, noon, and online supermarket chains are increasing.
Chauffeurs & Limousine Drivers
Many corporations and wealthy individuals employ chauffeurs and limo drivers for business travel, airport transfers, and daily commutes. Openings exist with private car services, hotel concierge fleets, and exclusive country clubs and residential compounds.
Rideshare & Taxi Drivers
Rideshare platforms like Uber and Careem have services in all major Saudi cities. Independent taxi drivers are also still in demand, especially for intra-city travel and airport pickups. Opportunities exist for those who own vehicles or can lease/finance new cars.
Driver Licensing Requirements in Saudi Arabia
To legally work as a driver in Saudi Arabia, you must have a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you’ll be operating. Here are the main license categories:
- Private motor vehicle license – For cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks used for personal transport. Required for jobs like rideshare driving, chauffeurs, and delivery services.
- Public transport vehicle license – For driving metro buses, transit buses, school buses, and medium-sized commercial vans. Necessary for bus driver positions.
- Heavy vehicle license – For tractor-trailers, dump trucks, tanker trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. Needed for long-haul trucking, fuel transport, and logistics operations.
- Motorcycle license – For couriers and food delivery services using motorbikes for higher mobility in congested urban areas.
The minimum age to obtain a license in Saudi Arabia is 18. However, many employers require at least 2-3 years of licensed driving experience before hiring for professional driver roles. Candidates should be prepared to provide a recent copy of their Saudi driving record.
High Driver Salaries & Attractive Benefits
Salaries for licensed drivers in Saudi Arabia are very competitive compared to other fields. Even inexperienced drivers can expect to earn 4,000-6,000 SAR per month, while veteran drivers at transportation companies often make 8,000-12,000 SAR per month.
Chauffeur and limo drivers at luxury hotels and exclusive communities can earn even higher salaries of 15,000-25,000 SAR per month. Benefits often include overtime pay, health insurance, paid leave, and allowances for vehicle maintenance/fuel.
Many employers also provide training programs and cover the costs of obtaining or renewing commercial driver’s licenses. The high pay continues to attract new drivers, especially expatriates from South Asia and the Middle East.
Top Cities Hiring Drivers
The major metro areas of Saudi Arabia have the highest demand and job openings for drivers:
Riyadh
As the capital and most populous city, Riyadh has opportunities for drivers across transportation sectors. Metro bus drivers, fuel truckers, delivery drivers, and rideshare services are all hiring.
Jeddah
The second largest city and major western port provides openings for seaport truckers, limo/chauffeur drivers to serve hotels and business travelers, and drivers for the new public transit system.
Makkah & Madinah
Chauffeurs and bus drivers are in demand to transport religious pilgrims between holy sites in these critically important cities for Muslims. Logistics providers also require drivers.
Dammam & Al Khobar
These eastern oil region hubs have a growing private sector. Chauffeur and corporate car services, as well as trucking and cargo transport jobs, are increasing.
Future Growth Prospects Look Strong
Saudi Arabia is forecast to spend over $1 trillion on new infrastructure and transportation projects over the next decade. These massive investments will continue expanding roads, railways, airports, seaports and public transit networks – fueling greater demand for drivers of all types.
Major sections of the new Riyadh Metro system are slated to open in 2024-2025, needing hundreds of additional drivers. To meet Vision 2030 goals, authorities are aiming to increase cargo trucking volume by over 50 percent in the next few years.
With a growing population and economic diversification, driver jobs are expected to rapidly grow. Those with commercial licenses should consider Saudi Arabia for stable positions, high pay, and steady demand for driving services.
