DOHA: Uber’s Middle Eastern business Careem will cease operations in Qatar on Tuesday, the company announced in a message sent to customers in the Gulf Arab state on Monday.
The surprise announcement comes two months after the World Cup in Qatar, when Careem-branded vehicles were part of the tournament’s official plans to transport visiting fans, alongside cars from Uber and local taxi provider Karwa.
“Unfortunately, Careem’s ride hailing operations will no longer operate in Qatar as of February 28, 2023,” said the message, which also informed customers holding Careem credit that the company would issue a full refund by March 15.
Careem’s message did not offer any explanation for why it will cease operating. Careem did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Careem was bought by Uber Technologies Inc. in 2019 for $3.1 billion, giving the US firm market dominance across the Middle East and Pakistan.
Careem only offered ride-hailing services in Qatar, unlike in larger Middle Eastern markets like the United Arab Emirates where the company offered a more robust slate of services on its application, including food delivery, digital payments and courier services.
Uber’s smart phone application offers ride-hailing services in Qatar and continued to operate normally late Monday.
Uber’s Mideast business Careem to cease operations in Qatar
https://arab.news/c6f22
Uber’s Mideast business Careem to cease operations in Qatar
- Announcement comes two months after the World Cup, when Careem vehicles were part of the tournament’s official plans to transport fans
Stc partners with Qiddiya as Six Flags official connectivity provider
RIYADH: Saudi stc Group has announced its partnership with Qiddiya as the official connectivity partner for the Six Flags theme park, providing telecom services, smart city solutions, and an integrated digital infrastructure in line with global standards, coinciding with the park’s official opening.
Under the partnership, stc will deliver an advanced digital ecosystem to enhance visitors’ experiences at Qiddiya, offering high-performance connectivity and smart technologies to facilitate entry and manage visitor flow within the park, ensuring a seamless and safe experience.
The collaboration reflects stc’s commitment to providing advanced digital infrastructure that supports Qiddiya’s ambitions and elevates the visitor experience.
By leveraging smart connectivity, smart city technologies, and innovative payment solutions, stc aims to deliver an integrated and streamlined experience across the destination.
The initiative also highlights stc’s role in supporting the tourism and entertainment sectors with world-class digital infrastructure that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision and future goals.
