Which taxi service is better in Dubai, Uber or Careem?
Uber is a worldwide company and their services are pretty good everywhere. however, Careem company were originally founded in Dubai and they have a good relations with the UAE government. their future seems brighter in the middle east region in general.
Careem company has a deal with the national taxi of Dubai (RTA) to integrate Dubai’s national taxi service inside their application in addition to their limousine vehicles. the prices comparing to Uber are slightly lower but you need to make sure that you always have a cash money when you book a taxi because some Careem’s taxis accept cash payments only.
If you would like to work as a taxi driver in Dubai you need to obtain the special taxi license and then join the RTA fleet, the work will be 12hrs shift everyday. Taxi drivers are making between $800 to $1300 monthly in Dubai but it’s never an easy job especially with the traffic in the peak hours and the fines you may get from the traffic police every month.
Update: Uber acquires Dubai-based Careem for $3.1 billion
Uber and Careem on Tuesday reached an agreement for Uber to acquire Careem for $3.1 billion, consisting of $1.7 billion in convertible notes and $1.4 billion in cash.
The acquisition of Careem is subject to applicable regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2020.
Uber will acquire all of Careem’s mobility, delivery, and payments businesses across the greater Middle East region, ranging from Morocco to Pakistan, with major markets including Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Upon closing, Careem will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber, preserving its brand. Careem co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha will lead the Careem business, which will report to its own board made up of three representatives from Uber and two representatives from Careem. Careem and Uber will operate their respective regional services and independent brands.