Careem CarSharing Service Debuts In Riyadh, Soon To Expand Within The Kingdom
In a significant collaboration that promises to reshape urban mobility, Careem, the region's leading multi-service app, has partnered with ekar, a foremost carsharing service provider, to introduce Careem CarSharing in Saudi Arabia. This innovative service, initially rolling out in Riyadh, is set to expand across various cities within the Kingdom, accessible through the Careem Everything App.
Careem CarSharing is designed to offer unprecedented flexibility and convenience to users, allowing them to pick up and return vehicles from multiple locations across Riyadh. The service caters to a wide range of needs, from minute-long drives to several weeks, leveraging AI technology employed by ekar to streamline vehicle location management and enhance availability, thereby minimizing the distance customers need to cover to access a car.
Abdulla Elyas, Co-Founder and Saudi Chairman at Careem, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, emphasizing the company's commitment to simplifying and improving lives. "Careem is driven by a purpose to simplify and improve lives, and we're thrilled to have simplified mobility for millions in Saudi Arabia through ride-hailing and our new Careem Bike network," Elyas stated. He further highlighted the sustainability and cost-efficiency benefits of car sharing, underscoring its role in reducing the number of vehicles required to meet the transportation needs of cities.
The Careem app has been instrumental in revolutionizing mobility in Saudi Arabia, facilitating over 10 million customers in hailing rides, booking cars, using Careem bikes, and even ordering meals. This expansion into car sharing with ekar is a testament to Careem's ongoing efforts to enhance urban transportation.
Mohammad Maaddawi, ekar's General Manager, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting ekar's commitment to delivering flexibility and convenience to Saudi customers. "ekar has been delivering unparalleled flexibility and convenience to Saudi customers for years, supporting the evolving needs and preferences of modern urban travelers. We are excited to partner with Careem to achieve our goal of enhancing the lives of a larger population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Maaddawi remarked.
The collaboration between Careem and ekar is not the first of its kind for the region. In 2022, ekar introduced a peer-to-peer carsharing service in Saudi Arabia, further cementing its position as a leader in flexible urban mobility solutions. Moreover, earlier in 2024, Careem expanded its operations to offer a seamless transportation experience for railway passengers between the North and East lines of the Kingdom, highlighting its dedication to improving transportation infrastructure and accessibility.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the evolution of urban mobility in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing demand for innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation solutions. As Careem and ekar join forces, they are set to not only enhance the mobility experience for millions but also contribute to the environmental sustainability goals of the region.
