MANAMA: Careem, a ride-hailing service in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced its launch in Bahrain, enhancing its growing presence in the GCC.
The app-based car service’s expansion into the country is through a partnership with Arabian Taxi, a Bahrain-based taxi service company.
Careem emerging markets general manager Ibrahim Manna said the company considers the Bahraini market as “one of the most vital”.
“We are eager to provide it with a reliable, safe, convenient, and affordable transportation service by allowing customers to book a car through the Careem app from any location at any time,” he added.
“Moving into Bahrain is a big step for Careem, falling under our plans and strategies for further expansion in the region, having achieved a monthly growth rate of 30 per cent.
Mr Manna said the brand’s vision for the Bahraini market, is to simplify people’s lives through innovative solutions using technology based on multi-entity collaboration within the transportation sector, thus increasing the number of job opportunities available.”
Careem’s GCC assistant general manager Sammy Hassan said the advantages of the service include the ability to conveniently choose between riding now or later, allowing bookings in advance, and letting riders choose to pay by cash, credit card, or with previously collected Careem credits.
Arabian Taxi shareholders include mainly the elderly, retired drivers, widows, and minors, who represent 80pc of the total equity of the company, while the other 20pc is with Bahrain Development Bank.
The taxi firm provides an additional fixed income to shareholders.
“Our partnership with Careem empowers stakeholders to optimise their business model,” said Arabian Taxi managing director Tawfeeq AlQattan.
“This is vital for both companies’ future expansion plans, as it will grow the desire for employment as a taxi driver and subsequently lead to an increase in Arabian Taxi’s fleet size.
“Captains, whose numbers will be increased, will also witness a parallel increase in their earnings.”
Customers can book a car through the Careem app, the website, or by calling a call centre.
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