A vehicle-sharing app moves Saudi entrepreneurship into high gear

Established by Mohammed Khashoggi, Ejaro aims to soup up the Saudi vehicle rental market and revolutionize the industry across the region. (AFP/File Photo)
Short Url
Updated 14 October 2020
Follow

A vehicle-sharing app moves Saudi entrepreneurship into high gear

  • Founded by Mohammed Khashoggi, Ejaro aims to popularize vehicle renting and revolutionize the industry
  • App has already proven popular with Saudis, with 2,500 users and 130 vehicles in its beta phase alone

DUBAI: Young Saudi entrepreneurs have not let the coronavirus pandemic slow them down, judging by the countless fresh ideas that have continued to power ahead.

One of them is Ejaro, the first licensed peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing community in the Arab world.

Established by Mohammed Khashoggi, Ejaro aims to soup up the Saudi vehicle rental market and revolutionize the industry across the region.

“We’re similar to AirBnb, but for cars. It’s a great way for a person to generate an additional source of income,” Khashoggi, 31, told Arab News.

As a vehicle owner himself, who regularly hires cars while traveling in Europe for business, Jeddah-born Khashoggi came up with the idea when he saw a similar venture in the UK.

INNUMBERS

Entrepreneurial investment

 

* $67m Investment in KSA starts in 2019.

* 10 KSA startups in WEF’s 100 ‘most promising’ list.

* 42% Petroleum sector’s share of KSA GDP.

“I thought it was an amazing idea. I did my research and looked for similar ideas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). There were a couple that were meant to launch in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and didn’t,” he said.

“Licensing is the most important element, and we’re the first ones to be licensed by the Transport General Authority in the Kingdom.”

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Khashoggi moved to the UK to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Three years later, he entered the world of business.

“I was in real estate with the family business. I was into that for a good five years,” he said. “My partner from university and I started a … company called the Continental Group in the UK, and from there we created a real estate company, which transacted over SR400 million ($100 million), bridging the gap between Saudi investors and the UK property market.”




Jeddah-born Mohammed Khashoggi came up with the idea for Ejaro when he saw a similar venture in the UK. (Supplied)

During a weekend aboard a luxury yacht in Monaco to watch the Formula 1, Khashoggi struck upon the idea for another venture — C’s 500 Business Club — selling “weekend hospitality packages” to guest members to join a chartered yacht platform during the Abu Dhabi Formula 1.

His endeavors earned him valuable networking opportunities with influential people. “It gave us a great platform to gain more networking for our business,” Khashoggi said.

0 seconds of 36 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:36
00:36
 

 

“From there we got into the tech world, and I started my first venture jointly with a German company, which did social trading. That’s where I got into the whole tech business.”

After living in the UK for 13 years, Khashoggi moved back to Saudi Arabia in April 2019. Shortly afterward, Ejaro featured as part of Riyadh Season, receiving special endorsements from Turki Al-Shaikh, a Saudi adviser at the Royal Court and current chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment.

“We’ve done almost zero marketing because being part of Riyadh Season gave us great brand positioning,” Khashoggi said. “Word of mouth also helped, and we’ve seen that people want this kind of service.”

Once users download the app and register, they simply search for a vehicle and book. The owner then accepts or declines, allowing direct communication between both parties to coordinate vehicle pick-up or delivery.

A five-minute check-in process, followed by a vehicle inspection, a few photos and fuel and mileage readings, allows customers to drive off with no worries.

Rigorous background and criminal-record checks are also performed to ensure safety and peace of mind.

A VISION FOR INNOVATION

The Saudi economy is undergoing a massive economic development reformation, spearheaded by the transformation strategy Vision 2030. But for entrepreneurship to thrive, current and future generations in Saudi Arabia will need a stimulating environment. The Kingdom is boosting its startup ecosystem with supportive regulatory frameworks and local venture funds.

Various institutions and initiatives are working toward this end, including the Mohammed bin Salman College, the Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Center (Waed), the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Academy, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s innovation and economic development department, and the MiSK Foundation. Various government agencies and companies are also supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in this regard, such as the Business Incubators and Accelerators Co., a unit of the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Co. (TAQNIA), in turn owned by the PIF. A number of programs are also working to promote future talent.

The Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Programs (SYLEP) is a three-week program in the US for undergraduate Saudi students or recently graduated university students aged 21-26. The aim of SYLEP 2020 is to “build leadership skills, civic responsibility, appreciation for cultural diversity, and community engagement and volunteerism among Saudi university students.”

The theme of this year’s program is STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Beyond prioritizing technology and innovation, Saudi Arabia has made it easier for international entrepreneurs to obtain licenses to launch startups, as part of an initiative to drive the private sector to 65 percent of gross domestic product from its current 40 percent.

This will involve a blend of growth from foreign direct investment and Saudi-grown entrepreneurship and innovation. Despite the current challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, much of the foundation for future youth entrepreneurship has already been set. Throughout the Kingdom, the effects of this spirit of innovation will be felt for many years to come. Richie Santosdiaz

So far Ejaro has proven popular among Saudis, with 2,500 registered users in the Kingdom and up to 130 vehicles in the beta phase alone.

Owners receive up to 80 percent in their wallet while Ejaro banks 20 percent for its connecting platform.

The team plans to initially focus on the Saudi market before expanding to the GCC and across the MENA region.

0 seconds of 53 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:53
00:53
 

 

“Everyone wants an additional source of income. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and tourism and travel opening up, there will be more demand for vehicle rental among tourists and locals,” Khashoggi said.

“We have a really fast and more efficient way to supply that demand through existing vehicles on the road, and in that sense we don’t add more congestion to the roads.”




Khashoggi moved back to Saudi Arabia in April 2019. Shortly afterward, Ejaro featured as part of Riyadh Season, receiving special endorsements from Turki Al-Shaikh, a Saudi adviser at the Royal Court and current chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment. (AFP/File Photo)

Although the app is currently in its beta stage, a full launch is planned in the coming weeks. “The pandemic slightly affected us because we’re an early-stage company and because the travel, tourism and transportation industries came to a complete halt,” he said.

“But it gave us a chance to dig deep into our product, enhance it and completely change the user experience, making it much easier and seamless. The lockdown period had its blessings in disguise.”

It also allowed the team to integrate with several government systems to make it more secure and give users further peace of mind.

Khashoggi is optimistic about the road ahead for Saudi entrepreneurs. “I’m in this ecosystem, and there are definitely amazing things going on in the startup ecosystem in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“We’ll be in the leading countries in the GCC, and hopefully in the world soon, thanks to the Vision 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the agility and support from the government for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and entrepreneurs. It will continue to grow and take its place very soon.”

----------------------

Twitter: @CalineMalek


Saudi Arabia was green corridor 8 million years ago: Saudi Heritage Commission 

Updated 11 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia was green corridor 8 million years ago: Saudi Heritage Commission 

  • Mesfer Alqahtani: The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert
  • SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations

RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission unveiled new findings this week that prove the Kingdom was a vital oasis eight million years ago.

Mesfer Alqahtani, archaeology consultant at the commission, said on Wednesday: “The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert, it underwent repeated humid phases that supported rich biodiversity and sustained both land and marine ecosystems, making it a natural bridge for the movement of species between Africa and Asia in the ancient world.” 

The SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations. It used a combination of dating techniques such as uranium-thorium and uranium lead analysis studies to document the longest-known record of ancient climate in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back about eight million years.

The study analyzed 22 speleothem samples extracted from seven desert caves located northeast of Riyadh near Shawayyah in Rumah governorate. The caves are locally known as Duhool Al-Samman. 

Experts at the SHC underlined that these findings provide clear evidence of recurrent humid and rainy periods in the region’s past. 

The study also found fossils pointing to the presence of a fertile environment.

Dr. Ajab Alotaibi, director general of the commission’s antiquities sector, said that the study highlighted the Arabian Peninsula’s crucial role as a corridor for the dispersal of organisms between Africa, Asia and Europe.

The study is part of the commission’s flagship initiative, the Green Arabia Project, which aims to explore the region’s natural and environmental history.

Michael Petralia, professor and director, Australian Research Center for Human Evolution, said: “Our archaeological work on the lakes of Arabia has now indicated that humans and early humans were in Saudi Arabia 500,000 years ago; that tells us immediately that Arabia acted as a crossroads between continents, between Africa and Asia, so this is a landscape that is very important in terms of documenting heritage, paleontology, archaeology, through time.”

The SHC-led findings have been published in the scientific journal, “Nature,” under the title “Recurrent humid phases in Arabia over the past 8 million years.” 

The research brought together 30 scientists from 28 organizations — local and international — including the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Geological Survey, King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Griffith University in Australia, and several universities and research centers across Germany, Italy, the UK and the US.

According to the SHC, the study marks a major milestone for the Green Arabia Project, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious efforts to promote scientific research and document the natural and cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.

These findings also offer valuable insights into restoring Saudi Arabia to its original, greener state, supporting pivotal projects such as Green Riyadh and the Saudi Green Initiative.

The project seeks to better understand how environmental and climatic changes have shaped the region across eras — contributing to a richer, more complete understanding of Saudi Arabia’s natural history.

Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the SHC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaborations.


Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve

Updated 10 min 14 sec ago
Follow

Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve

  • Five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments
  • Initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 25 animals from endangered species into the King Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.

The initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats.

The animals — five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures — have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments, restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in Saudi Arabia’s protected areas.

Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said it was “another step toward achieving our vision for wildlife development in the Kingdom.”

He emphasized it demonstrated the center’s commitment to breeding endangered species according to international standards, enhancing biodiversity and achieving environmental sustainability targets under Saudi Vision 2030.

The program also reflects the center’s dedication to collaborating with environmental partners to achieve common goals that reflected the Kingdom’s efforts to balance economic development with the protection of natural resources. It continues the center’s work in ecosystem rehabilitation and endangered species breeding, supporting the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Green Initiative.

Qurban added the work also boosted tourism, created jobs and led to improved quality of life in local communities. 

The initiatives are implemented through specialized centers considered among the world’s best in breeding and reintroduction, applying international standards and practices to ensure successful releases and ecological balance.


Bangladesh bringing Saudi ties to ‘new heights,’ envoy says

Updated 10 April 2025
Follow

Bangladesh bringing Saudi ties to ‘new heights,’ envoy says

  • Countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations as Dhaka celebrates national day
  • M. Delwar Hossain: ‘Bangladeshis have transformed an impoverished country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world’

RIYADH: Bangladesh is looking to seize the “momentous occasion” of 50 years of ties with Saudi Arabia to bring its relationship with the Kingdom to new heights, the country’s ambassador has said.

M. Delwar Hossain, ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, was speaking at a Bangladesh National Day reception to mark the 54th anniversary of the country’s independence.

This year also marks 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Riyadh.

“I welcome you all to the celebration of the 54th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh,” Hossain said.

“On this momentous occasion, I render homage to the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of the country in 1971.”

Over the years, Bangladeshis have transformed an impoverished country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, he added.

“We now seek to make a bigger stride toward our dreams. With a vibrant private sector, a huge pool of competent workforce and a sizable domestic market, Bangladesh is now well poised to engage in deeper mutually beneficial cooperation with international partners and friends,” Hossain said.

“The government has undertaken a series of reform initiatives in key sectors to further improve overall governance and the competitiveness of the economy.”

The ambassador described relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as “excellent,” based on mutual respect, shared values and common aspirations.

Though the state-level formal diplomatic relationship was established shortly after Bangladesh’s independence, ties between the two peoples dates back centuries, he added.

“Since then, our relationship has witnessed progressive expansion, both in depth and dimension. At the moment, our two nations are in meaningful collaboration in a wide range of areas. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia enjoy deeper understanding and collaboration on regional and global issues of common interest. We have been working closely in the UN and other multilateral fora including the OIC,” said Hossain.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their continued support and goodwill toward Bangladesh. We express our heartiest gratitude to the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia for hosting about 3 million expatriate Bangladeshis,” he added.

The reception was attended by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, undersecretary of the Riyadh Region, as well as Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, deputy minister for Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hossain said: “This year, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”

He added: “We look forward to seizing this momentous occasion to take our relationship to new heights and make it more meaningful to the people of both countries.

“There still remains huge potential for mutually beneficial deeper collaboration in numerous areas, particularly in trade and investment, energy, human resources, IT, health, agriculture and climate.”


AlUla joins five Saudi cities in IMD World Smart City Index 2025 

Updated 10 April 2025
Follow

AlUla joins five Saudi cities in IMD World Smart City Index 2025 

  • AlUla’s listing on the Smart City Index reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to position the city as a leading heritage, cultural, and tourism hub
  • IMD is globally recognized for its expertise in competitiveness and is the publisher of the World Competitiveness Yearbook

RIYADH: AlUla has been included in the IMD World Smart Cities Index 2025, released by the International Institute for Management Development, alongside five other cities in Saudi Arabia: Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the agency, this milestone underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to its Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming urban landscapes into smart cities through innovative projects led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in collaboration with various government entities. The goal is to create smart cities that elevate quality of life to the highest standards.

The IMD is globally recognized for its expertise in competitiveness and is the publisher of the World Competitiveness Yearbook, a reference for international organizations and institutions seeking insights into competitive practices.

According to the SPA, AlUla’s listing on the Smart City Index reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to position the city as a leading heritage, cultural, and tourism hub. The integration of modern technologies, enhanced by artificial intelligence, aims to safeguard archaeological treasures while enriching the visitor experience. Advanced digital solutions, such as crowd management systems, smart transport services, and interactive applications are used to facilitate a seamless exploration of the city.

The IMD Smart City Index 2025 evaluates cities on diverse criteria, including residents’ perceptions of smart city initiatives, the balance of economic and technological factors with human dimensions, and the alignment between citizens’ needs and contemporary trends in urban development.

The index also highlights the significance of digital technologies in optimizing resource utilization, reducing carbon footprints, and making public spaces more attuned to the needs of residents.

In a related development, in 2023 the National Competitiveness Center and IMD formalized their collaboration through a bilateral agreement in Lausanne, Switzerland, intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in alignment with Vision 2030. Key figures, including Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, attended the signing ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to leverage global expertise and best practices.

The NCC reiterated its dedication to enhancing competitiveness by accessing IMD’s consulting services and educational programs. This partnership follows Saudi Arabia’s rise in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, where it climbed eight places to secure 24th position globally, a sign of significant advances in government policy and efforts at digital transformation. 


Saudi women honored for their achievements by Princess Nourah excellence awards

Updated 10 April 2025
Follow

Saudi women honored for their achievements by Princess Nourah excellence awards

  • The event recognizes outstanding contributions of women in 6 categories: natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities
  • Organizers of the awards this year receive a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi women were honored for their achievements at the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, this year recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of women in six categories.

Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shaalan was honored in the health sciences category, Dr. Thamraa Alshahrani received the natural sciences award, and Al-Jawhara Mahmoud Hamza was recognized for her contributions to social initiatives.

Sarah Al-Suhaimi was the recipient of the award for economic projects, Marzouqa Al-Armani for artistic works, and Hind Al-Sudairy in the field of humanities.

The awards were presented by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hithlain, the king’s spouse. Inas Al-Issa, the president of Princess Nourah University, and Ibtisam Al-Othman, secretary-general of the awards body, gave speeches during the ceremony.

The organizers of the awards this year received a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The awards aim to recognize and support outstanding work led by women and inspire future generations to contribute to national development.