Saudi Arabia: TGA Introduces Facial Recognition Verification for Ride-Hailing Drivers

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) announced on Sunday the adoption of facial recognition verification for ride-hailing drivers, a move aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance and enhancing the reliability and safety of passenger transport services across the Kingdom.

The new measure uses AI-powered facial recognition applications to identify, track, and verify drivers by analyzing facial features from photos or videos. The technology ensures that the individual operating a ride-hailing vehicle matches the registered driver on approved platforms, reducing misuse and improving overall service integrity.

In parallel, the TGA has launched an electronic driver registration platform designed to record and verify driver data, confirm vehicle information, and ensure the accuracy of records. The platform serves as a central regulatory tool to manage driver eligibility and maintain service quality across ride-hailing applications.

According to the authority, the facial recognition verification process will be implemented during the first quarter of this year. The TGA emphasized that ride-hailing activities through these applications are restricted exclusively to Saudi citizens, and the new system reinforces adherence to this regulation.

The TGA stated that the initiative will enhance transparency, protect users’ rights, and improve overall service quality. Members of the public were urged to report any observations or violations through the authority’s digital channels, including its official website or the unified contact number 19929, to enable prompt regulatory action.

The authority also noted that ride-hailing companies had previously been required to implement facial recognition verification. This latest step further strengthens the monitoring, compliance, and enforcement framework, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s continued push toward digital transformation and smarter transport regulation.