Overview

Careem is a technology and mobility brand founded in Dubai in 2012 by Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson, former McKinsey & Company consultants. It initially operated as a website for corporate car bookings before developing into a consumer ride-hailing platform. Abdulla Elyas, founder of the Saudi delivery service enwani, joined the company as a co-founder after Careem acquired enwani in 2015. The business expanded through a combination of external investment, acquisitions, geographic launches, and service diversification. Early funding came from STC Ventures and Al Tayyar Travel Group, followed by a major Series C investment led by The Abraaj Group. Later rounds brought in Saudi Telecom Company, Kingdom Holding Company, Mercedes-Benz, DiDi, and other institutional investors. By the late 2010s, Careem had become one of the most prominent technology companies based in the Middle East, operating across numerous cities in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Ride-hailing remained the brand's foundation, but Careem progressively added adjacent services. These included bus booking, food ordering and delivery through Careem NOW, grocery and household delivery through Careem Quik, restaurant discovery and ordering following the acquisition of RoundMenu, bicycle sharing through Careem Bike, and digital financial services through Careem Pay. The company also introduced DineOut restaurant discounts, courier services, remittances, bill payment, e-commerce checkout, and other features designed to place transportation and daily transactions within one application. Regulation has been a recurring feature of Careem's development. Taxi operators and regulators in Egypt challenged the legal basis of app-based ride-hailing, while Dubai authorities required the platform to make all taxis and limousines available for booking through its app. In Saudi Arabia, the company recruited women drivers ahead of the lifting of the ban on women driving in 2018. Careem also encountered market-specific difficulties, including the suspension of food delivery in Pakistan during the country's economic crisis and the withdrawal of its services from Qatar in 2023. Uber agreed in 2019 to acquire Careem for approximately US$3.1 billion, with the transaction completed in January 2020. Careem retained its identity and continued operating as a distinct consumer brand. The transaction separated the ownership of the ride-hailing business from the broader service platform. In December 2023, e& invested US$400 million for a majority stake in Careem's Super App business, while Uber retained ownership of the ride-hailing operation. Careem has also pursued social and environmental initiatives. It recruited women drivers in several markets, promoted hybrid and electric vehicles, developed bicycle-sharing infrastructure with Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority, and introduced an eco-friendly ride category linked to emissions-offsetting and tree-planting programs. The brand's present proposition is a regional super app combining mobility, delivery, payments, and local commerce, although its exact service mix varies by country and some formerly offered services have been discontinued.

History

Careem began in 2012 as a Dubai-based website for corporate car bookings. Its founders, Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson, had previously worked as management consultants at McKinsey & Company. The company soon shifted from business bookings toward a consumer ride-hailing model, adapting the concept to fragmented transportation markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The company secured seed funding in 2013 from STC Ventures and followed it with a larger Series B round in 2014 led by Al Tayyar Travel Group and STC Ventures. In January 2015, Careem acquired enwani, a Saudi delivery business, and Abdulla Elyas joined as a co-founder. A US$60 million Series C round led by The Abraaj Group in November 2015 gave the company resources for further regional expansion. Careem's growth was accompanied by legal and regulatory disputes. In Egypt in 2016, taxi drivers protested the operation of Careem and Uber without conventional taxi licenses. The resulting regulatory framework provided a degree of legal protection for drivers. In Dubai, regulators required Careem to allow customers to book all taxis and limousines operating in the emirate through the application. These developments reflected the company's role in reshaping regulated transportation markets rather than simply adding another private car service. In late 2016, Careem raised US$350 million at a reported US$1 billion valuation, with Saudi Telecom Company acquiring a stake. A further US$150 million Series E round in 2017 included Kingdom Holding Company, Mercedes-Benz, Lumia Capital, DCM Ventures, and Coatue Management. The company expanded into Palestine, Iraq, and other markets, and entered a strategic relationship with DiDi focused on intelligent transportation technology, product development, and operations. Gender inclusion became a prominent part of Careem's regional strategy. The company announced plans to expand maternity leave and recruit more women. In Saudi Arabia, where women were permitted to drive from June 2018, Careem recruited women drivers and enabled them to begin working when the legal change took effect. Women had already been driving for the platform in Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan, and the company stated an ambition to create a large female workforce. Careem diversified beyond rides. It acquired RoundMenu in 2018, adding a restaurant listing and food-ordering platform, then launched Careem NOW for food and pharmaceutical delivery. It also introduced bus booking in Egypt and later expanded food delivery to markets including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. In 2019, the acquisition of bicycle-sharing startup Cyacle created Careem Bike. The company subsequently developed bicycle infrastructure with Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority and expanded bicycle-sharing activity in Saudi Arabia. Uber's acquisition agreement, announced in 2019 and completed in January 2020, valued Careem at about US$3.1 billion. The deal made Careem one of the region's most valuable technology startups and allowed it to continue operating under its own name. The pandemic then sharply reduced mobility demand. Careem cut 536 jobs in May 2020, while Uber Eats transferred its UAE activity to Careem. The company responded by accelerating grocery and essential-goods delivery, later launching Careem Quik. The next phase emphasized the super-app model. Careem Pay, launched in 2022, added digital-wallet functions, transfers, withdrawals, remittances, bill payment, and online checkout. Careem also introduced DineOut and continued developing delivery, courier, mobility, and payments features. At the same time, it withdrew from some markets or services, including Qatar in 2023, food delivery in Pakistan in 2022, and ride-hailing in Pakistan in 2025. In December 2023, e& invested US$400 million for a majority stake in Careem's Super App business. Uber retained the ride-hailing business, creating a two-part ownership structure under the continuing Careem brand. The company has continued to promote electric and hybrid mobility, eco-friendly ride options, and lower-emission bicycle and delivery services. Its current identity is therefore broader than that of a ride-hailing company: Careem presents itself as a regional platform for transportation, delivery, commerce, and financial services.

2023
e& invests in the Super App
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
e& acquires a majority stake in Careem's Super App business for US$400 million.
2022
Careem Pay launches
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
The company introduces its UAE digital wallet and related payment and remittance services.
2020
Careem becomes an Uber-owned brand
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
The acquisition closes, while Careem continues operating under its own brand.
2019
Uber acquisition agreement
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
Uber agrees to acquire Careem for approximately US$3.1 billion.
2018
Careem NOW launches
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
The brand enters food and pharmaceutical delivery in Dubai and Jeddah.
2016
Unicorn valuation
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
A US$350 million financing round values Careem at approximately US$1 billion.
2015
enwani acquisition
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
Careem acquires Saudi delivery company enwani and adds Abdulla Elyas as a co-founder.
2013
Seed financing
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
Careem raises US$1.7 million in seed funding led by STC Ventures.
2012
Careem begins operations
[1]Careemen.wikipedia.org
The company starts as a Dubai-based website for corporate car bookings and later transitions toward consumer ride-hailing.

Products and positioning

A locally rooted Middle Eastern super app that combines everyday mobility, delivery, commerce, and financial services, with a focus on regional market knowledge and social impact.

Ride-hailing and transportation · 2012
Careem Rides
The original and foundational Careem service, allowing users to book cars, taxis, and limousines through the application. Availability and vehicle categories differ by market. The service has operated alongside regulated taxi networks and has included eco-friendly vehicle categories using hybrid or electric cars.
Food delivery · 2018
Careem Food
Careem's restaurant ordering and delivery offering, developed partly through the acquisition of RoundMenu and expanded to markets including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. The service has been adjusted by country, including suspension in Pakistan during the economic crisis.
Grocery and household delivery · 2020
Careem Quik
A rapid-delivery service for groceries, household items, and other essentials. It grew out of Careem's pandemic-era expansion into essential-goods delivery and is designed to integrate short-distance commerce with the wider Careem application.
Digital payments · 2022
Careem Pay
A digital wallet and payments service introduced in the UAE. Its capabilities include transfers, withdrawals, bill payment, online checkout, and remittances, including corridors connecting the UAE with other countries.
Bicycle and scooter sharing · 2019
Careem Bike
A shared bicycle and micromobility service created after Careem acquired Cyacle. In Dubai it was developed with the Roads & Transport Authority and expanded through a network of docking stations. The service supports short urban trips and Careem's lower-emission mobility positioning.
Food and pharmaceutical delivery · 2018
Careem NOW
An earlier Careem-branded online ordering service for food and pharmaceuticals, initially launched in Dubai and Jeddah. Its functions later became part of the broader Careem delivery proposition.
Restaurant discounts · 2023
DineOut
A restaurant-focused program launched by Careem that provides dining discounts and links restaurant discovery with the company's wider commerce and lifestyle ecosystem.

Controversies

2023
Backlash over founder's compensation comments
Mudassir Sheikha's public comments that Careem was not suited to people prioritizing cash compensation, fixed working hours, or certainty were criticized as tone-deaf by some observers, while others praised the directness of the message.
Source
2019
Consumer court fines Careem over faulty service
A consumer court fined Careem Rs50,000 after finding it guilty of providing faulty service and causing mental distress to a consumer. The ruling followed a complaint alleging that a Careem driver drove recklessly, abruptly ended the ride, and used insulting language.
Source
2018
Careem rider and driver data breach
Careem discovered that information relating to more than 14 million riders and approximately 558,800 drivers had been breached. The company disclosed the incident several months after discovery, explaining that it wanted to verify the information before notifying affected users. The timing of the disclosure and reports that the vulnerability may have been known earlier generated criticism.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2023Eco-friendly rides
United Arab Emirates · Jordan
Careem introduced an eco-friendly vehicle category, often using hybrid or electric cars, in partnership with CarbonSifr and associated the offering with tree planting and emissions-offsetting activity.
Outcome. The category was expanded to Abu Dhabi in 2024 and Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Source
2023Careem Pay mangrove promotion
United Arab Emirates
In a Mastercard collaboration, Emirates Nature-WWF pledged to plant a UAE mangrove for each qualifying Careem Pay wallet top-up made with a Mastercard debit card.
Outcome. Connected digital-wallet usage with a local environmental initiative.
Source
2020Careem Bike and lower-emission mobility
United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia
Careem developed bicycle-sharing infrastructure with Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority and expanded micromobility services in the region.
Outcome. The program became a visible part of Careem's sustainability and urban-mobility strategy.
Source
2018Women drivers in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Careem recruited women drivers in preparation for the end of Saudi Arabia's prohibition on women driving and enabled them to begin platform work when the legal change took effect.
Outcome. Expanded participation of women as drivers and reinforced Careem's inclusion-focused positioning.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
e& investment in the Super AppM&A
Background
Careem's post-Uber structure separated the ride-hailing business from its expanding multi-service platform.
Action taken
e& invested US$400 million for a majority stake in the Super App business.
Aftermath
Uber retained the ride-hailing business, while e&, Uber, and the founders held interests associated with the wider Super App structure.
Investment amount. US$400 million (December 2023)
Source
2022
Launch of Careem PayProduct launch
Background
Careem aimed to increase the frequency of user interaction by adding financial services to mobility and delivery.
Action taken
It introduced a UAE digital wallet supporting transfers, withdrawals, bill payment, checkout, and remittances.
Aftermath
Payments became a core pillar of Careem's Super App offering.
Source
2020
Expansion into essential-goods deliveryStrategy
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced transport demand while increasing demand for home delivery.
Action taken
Careem began delivering groceries and essential products and later launched Careem Quik.
Aftermath
Delivery became a major component of the brand's super-app strategy.
Source
2019
Agreement to sell Careem to UberM&A
Background
Careem had become a leading regional ride-hailing company after several funding rounds and geographic expansions.
Action taken
Uber agreed to acquire the company for approximately US$3.1 billion, comprising cash and convertible notes.
Aftermath
The deal closed in 2020, with Careem retaining its brand and the ride-hailing business becoming wholly owned by Uber.
Transaction value. Approximately US$3.1 billion (Announced in 2019; completed January 2020)
Source
2018
Launch of Careem NOWProduct launch
Background
Careem sought to extend beyond transportation into recurring everyday deliveries.
Action taken
It launched food and pharmaceutical ordering and delivery in Dubai and Jeddah.
Aftermath
The service formed part of Careem's broader move toward a multi-service app.
Source

Recent events

2021-10-17
Careem partners with My Book in Qatar[3]Careem与My Book在卡塔尔开展合作menafn.com
Reported: 2021-10-17
Careem partnered with My Book in Qatar to give loyal Careem app customers access to lifestyle and entertainment offers, including Buy One Get One Free vouchers.
2021-09-06
Careem appoints Pakistan food and deliveries commercial director[4]Careem任命巴基斯坦食品与配送业务商务总监enews.hamariweb.com
Reported: 2021-09-06
Careem appointed Mohsin Jawed as Commercial Director for Food and Deliveries in Pakistan.
2021-08-06
Careem and government administrations arrange vaccination camps[5]Careem 与政府部门安排疫苗接种营tribune.com.pk
Reported: 2021-08-06
Careem collaborated with the Islamabad Capital Territory administration and the Government of Sindh to arrange COVID-19 vaccination camps at its Karachi and Islamabad offices for colleagues, captains, their families, and other residents of the workplaces.
2021-07-19
Careem launches Bahrain–Saudi Arabia ride-hailing service[6]Careem推出巴林至沙特阿拉伯的网约车服务arabnews.com
Reported: 2021-07-19
Careem introduced an intercity ride-hailing service allowing users to book one-way car journeys from Bahrain to several Saudi cities, with fares starting at $198.
2021-06-08
Careem and Total PARCO partner on discounted mobility solutions[7]Careem 与 Total PARCO 合作提供折扣出行解决方案propakistani.pk
Reported: 2021-06-08
Careem and Total PARCO Pakistan Limited signed an agreement to provide Careem Captains with discounted fuel, lubricants and selected vehicle services, with the offers to be integrated into Careem's application.
2021-02-02
Careem introduces a commission-free restaurant pricing model in the UAE[8]Careem在阿联酋推出餐厅免佣金定价模式wamda.com
Careem introduced a model for restaurant partners in the UAE that replaces percentage-based commissions with a fixed monthly subscription fee.
2021-01-26
Careem partners with UNDP on social-awareness videos and Captain training[9]Careem与联合国开发计划署合作制作社会议题宣传视频并用于Captain培训tribune.com.pk
Reported: 2021-01-26
Careem is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme on animated videos addressing safety, gender sensitization, traffic rules, and civic sense. The videos are also intended to be incorporated into training for Careem Captains; UNDP said a gender-sensitization awareness video was already part of Careem's daily Captain training.
2020-10-20
Careem expands food delivery service to Lahore[10]Careem 将食品配送服务扩展至拉合尔propakistani.pk
Reported: 2020-10-20
Careem expanded its food delivery service to Lahore, initially covering areas near Defence Housing Authority with 150 merchants.
2020-09-01
Careem and Coded Minds partner to offer educational services[11]Careem与Coded Minds合作提供教育服务propakistani.pk
Reported: 2020-09-01
Careem partnered with Coded Minds to offer affordable online courses for Captains’ children and discounted vocational training courses for Captains.
2020-08-05
Chevron Pakistan Lubricants and Careem announce a partnership[12]雪佛龙巴基斯坦润滑油与Careem宣布合作thenews.com.pk
Reported: 2020-08-06
Chevron Pakistan Lubricants and Careem announced a partnership to offer oil change packages for Careem Captains at participating Caltex Oil Change facilities in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

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