A 16-year-old boy has been charged after an Uber driver was stabbed several times outside a shopping centre on the Gold Coast.

Emergency services were alerted to the Coomera Westfield car park on Foxwell Road at approximately 1:25 am today after a security guard discovered a 32-year-old woman with stab wounds.

Police believe she was inside the car when she was stabbed 10 times in the face, neck and back by her passenger.

The woman was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

Police believe there was no connection or disagreement between the driver and her passenger.

“We believe the perpetrator arranged a rideshare with the woman and traveled with her from Hope Island to Coomera using that service,” stated Detective Inspector Paul Fletcher.

Police found two mobile phones and a small kitchen knife in the nearby bushes but are still investigating whether these items are linked to the incident.

A 16-year-old boy from Upper Coomera has been charged this evening with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, and deprivation of liberty.

He is due to face Southport Childrens Court tomorrow.

Investigations are continuing.