Uber is back with new Emirati driver service in Abu Dhabi
abu dhabi — More than two years after suspension of operations, Uber taxis will be back on Abu Dhabi roads with a new ‘Emirati’ service at same fares as normal taxis.
Uber and the Department of Transport (DoT), represented by Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), inked an agreement after making the formal announcement.
Officials noted the Emirati service will open up new job opportunities, make transportation affordable and local drivers will be able to give tourists a cultural flavour. Anthony Al Khoury, Uber Middle East regional manager, said as per the agreement, Emiratis will be able to drive on the Uber app using their private cars on a full-time or part-time basis.
“Our whole negotiation with the ITC was for us to be able to launch in an affordable way to move around Abu Dhabi. We found the best way to do so was to open it up for the Emiratis. Now Emiratis with a private driving licence and not a commercial one can use their private cars and drive on Uber. And pricing of this product is on par with taxis (Dh12). It is a very affordable transportation similar to what taxis are providing. We are still discussing the details,” Al Khoury said during a Press conference after signing the agreement.
Al Khoury said the service is an added economic opportunity for the locals. “Emiratis can use this platform to create extra economic opportunity. The flexibility that the platform gives is not available in the market. Today any Emirati can work two to three hours on Uber and complement their income.”
Al Khoury said some Uber cars are on the platform but Emirati product will take some time to be launched. “The ITC has 32 fleets in Abu Dhabi. We are trying to work with a couple of them. We are trying to get as many Emiratis as possible. Users will be able to choose from either Emirati or Limousine products on the app.”
50-100 limousines on offer
Uber is offering 50 to 100 limousine products, usually Lexus and
similar, at 30 per cent above the normal taxi fares.
“The pricing of limousine is very similar to Dubai. There is a premium over the taxi rates but much lower than it was before. We are targeting approximately 30 per cent above taxi on the limousine product. The ITC gave us some leeway there and it is a big improvement from the previous regulation. Earlier it was 40 to 50 per cent than taxi fares.
“The new regulation states that limousine needs to around 30 per cent. This is still quite cheaper than before. The limousine driver will need a commercial licence as the
car is a commercial car. They need to be part of a fleet that has permits, licenses from the ITC,” Al Khoury said.
Technical, safety features
Al Khoury said Uber offers full transparency through advanced use of technology and new unique safety features.
“You will know the name of your driver, how long will he take to reach you, car number and type. Inside the car, there’s navigation, speed limit pop-up, post-trip star ratings, lost and found in your app. A background check for limousine drivers will be done by ITC as they need commercial licence. For locals, we will send documents to ITC, which they will check and get back to us. All background checks will be done by ITC,” Al Khoury added.
We are trying to get as many Emiratis as possible. Users will be able to choose from either Emirati or Limousine products on the app.”
Anthony Al Khoury, Uber
Middle East regional manager