Raza, Circ to bring first e-scooter sharing service to Saudi Arabia

Riyadh –  Circ, the Middle East’s first regulator-approved e-scooter operator, uncovered its intention to expand in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with Raza, the real estate management arm of the Saudi Public Pension Agency (PPA), to drive the micro-mobility revolution across the GCC in the coming months.

Circ’s entry to the Kingdom will be via the provision of its purpose-built, fully electric scooters across the Digital City in Riyadh, according to Circ’s statement on Wednesday.

Circ, founded in 2018, will also implement the e-scooter programme within other Raza managed communities, such as the Diplomatic Quarter, Jeddah Obhur Project and residential compounds.

“The Kingdom has the largest population in the GCC, with a high percentage made up of youth who continue to adopt new innovative consumer trends. We anticipate great demand for Circ’s e-scooters, which can meet their daily needs as well as positively impact the environment and economy. With 29 million residents and an annual potential growth rate of 3.3%, the country remains a formidable market to tap into,” Jaideep Dhanoa, Co-Founder and CEO of Circ MENA, commented.

The move comes in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of establishing a vibrant society, rooted by sustainability as one of its core pillars.

Bader Al Kalooti, Co-Founder and COO of Circ MENA, Said that Circ will offer Digital City and Diplomatic Quarters with an alternative, fully-electric transportation option that is quicker and more convenient for short-distance trips within and around a community, enables first and last-mile travel to public transport locations, and is equitable and affordable for all income brackets.

“In its first four months of UAE operations, Circ has entered partnerships with three leading Abu Dhabi community and real estate management companies, and is currently available in 12 locations across the capital city,” the statement said.

Circ’s expansion aspirations include further UAE penetration, as well as tapping into new markets in the Gulf.

Moreover, Circ mobile application, which is used to easily ‘unlock’ the e-scooters and manage rides, will also be reworked to include an Arabic language option in the coming weeks.