Saudi nationals are being urged to benefit from existing financing incentives and strive for successful careers in the car rental industry.

The plea comes amid efforts being made by the Ministry of Transport and Communications to achieve a 100 percent Saudization rate in the sector.

Said Al-Basimi, chairman of the committee on transport and communications at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), voiced concern about the lack of interest among Saudi nationals in the car rental industry.

Al-Basimi told Arab News that the Ministry of Transport and Communications aims to achieve a 100 percent Saudization rate in this sector. Saudi nationals currently constitute less than 10 percent of the work force in an industry largely dominated by expatriates.

Al-Basimi appealed to citizens to take advantage of the Saudi Credit Bank, the King Abdullah Fund and BRJ (Bab Rizq Jameel) initiatives, which facilitate ownership of taxis through financing or leasing options. His remarks came as the Jeddah Department of Transport also fined 200 taxis during an inspection round Thursday.

Captain Majid Hassan, director of the Makkah Department of Transportation, said another 150 vehicles were fined in front of Aziz Mall for operating without valid drivers’ licenses.

A fine of SR500 is imposed for driving a taxi without a driver’s license and another SR500 for driving without a uniform. Around 50 taxis were fined for violating laws on Saudization last week.

There will be year-round inspection tours with strict adherence to the rules, Hassan confirmed. Parties who leased out companies or individuals would also be fined.

Al-Basimi stressed that vehicles must all be 2009-2014 models to avoid risking a penalty of SR5,000. The car’s appearance and interiors should also comply with specific regulations set by the Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Violation of specifications carries a fine of SR700. Citizens and residents are advised to ride with authorized drivers only.

Al-Basimi also stressed that taxi drivers’ complete their official documentation to remain in operation.

He said an online portal now allows citizens and residents to report complaints to the Jeddah Department of Transportation.

The department can also be directly accessed through its website.