Ride-hailing app returns

Careem, a leading ride-hailing platform in the region, relaunched its services in Muscat on Monday in partnership with local operator, Marhaba Taxi.

Careem has operations in over 100 cities in 14 countries in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

“Customers will be able to book the ‘Go+’ car type on the Careem app for on-demand taxi. Careem will handle all components of the service from matching the customer to their ride, to despatching taxis, to customer service, payment and marketing. The service will be priced in line with general Marhaba Taxi rates — fares will start at RO 1.25,” the company said.

Speaking to the Observer, Khaled Nuseibeh, GM, Careem said, “Fare structures will remain same, but the company plans to launch food and parcel deliveries later as part of its plan to diversify its operations.” The service will be available on-demand across the capital initially. Marhaba operates a fleet of over 600 vehicles in Muscat.

Ayman al Marashdeh, Executive Vice-President, Marhaba Taxi, said, “Around 60 per cent of our riders are women. Getting the taxi owners onboard were one of our initial challenges, but all stakeholders have realised that the government is keen to organise and regulate the taxi sector in the country.” Having briefly launched a service in May 2017, Careem was asked by the government to reconsider its operating model and focus first on working with licensed taxis, the company said.

“Oman is a strategically important country for us as it completes our footprint across the GCC. We are now the only ride hailing operator to offer a service across all six GCC countries. With Marhaba taxis on our platform, we can bring all the benefits of ride hailing to customers in Muscat at affordable and transparent prices,” Nuseibeh said,

Yousuf al Hooti, special projects manager, Ingenuity Technologies, said, “Our cooperation with Careem is the first step we are taking towards new initiatives in the local market for enhancing the taxi service experience in Muscat.”