Uber is aiming to accelerate its growth in Saudi Arabia to 50-60% trips per month, compared to an estimated 25-40% growth in 2015, according to Majed Abukhater, Head of Uber’s Saudi operations. Saudi Arabia has become one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, owing to its popularity amongst women, which has motivated Uber’s ambitious plans to add new customers this year. On the regulatory front, Uber’s communication with local regulators has been “extremely positive”, especially compared to the company’s experience in other countries. Uber is aiming to develop a “new regulatory space” that would offer alternative transportation solutions to women in Saudi Arabia who are prohibited from driving in the Kingdom, but are limited in options for reliable transportation, AbouKhater added. Uber has been operating in Saudi Arabia for nearly two years, where women have accounted for over 70% of its local customers. The service is available in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and  the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, with plans to offer the service in Jubail, Yanbu, Qassim and Ha’il. On a broader note, Uber is planning to invest USD250 million to expand in the Middle East and North Africa. (Bloomberg)