Yes, the acquisition of Dubai-based Careem by Uber for $3.1bn is a big deal. And no, your Careem experience is not going to change anytime soon.
In a mass email sent out by Uber, the ride-share app emphasises it’s ‘incredible’ partnership with the ‘region’s greatest success story’ Careem. Uber will acquire all of Careem’s mobility, delivery, and payments businesses across the Middle East including in Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
And most importantly, you will still be able to book a Careem car through the Careem app.
Today, we start Chapter 2 of our story. Careem is joining forces with Uber to better serve the region
We will operate independently, so the app, services and brand you love will continue to be available as usual.
For more details, visit https://t.co/1eGk5u6d1w pic.twitter.com/xn53Q9iyLI
— Careem (@careem) March 26, 2019
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed took to Twitter to remind to remind the haters that Dubai is a global tech-hub to be reckoned with. He said: “In 1999, many people questioned our idea to establish Dubai Internet City in the desert.”
.@HHShkMohd: 20 years ago, we established an Internet & e-commerce city in Dubai's desert. Many questioned the idea. Today, Uber acquired Careem for AED11 billion. Recently, Amazon acquired Souq, also a multibillion-dirham deal. These companies emerged from the “deserts” of Dubai pic.twitter.com/L9GnuMUB9R
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 26, 2019
Here is Uber’s email in full.
Five years ago, we arrived in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey which has seen millions of riders and drivers find new ways to move and work.
Today, we are proud to announce the next step in our journey: we’ve agreed to acquire Careem, one of the region’s greatest success stories. Uber and Careem will come together to complement each other’s strengths, better serve the region, and maintain a tailored local experience.
Nothing will change for you. Both Uber and Careem will continue to operate as independent apps.
We are excited about what this means for the future of mobility, delivery, and payments in the Middle East, we’re looking forward to continuing the journey together. For more information, please visit our newsroom post.
