Help refugees as you hail a ride in Dubai
dubai — Dubai-based ride-hailing app Careem has launched a UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) car that will allow passengers to donate and support refugees and displaced persons in the Mena region. The initiative was created in line with the UAE marking 2017 as the Year of Giving as directed by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Dubai residents can donate funds to provide aid and assistance to refugees simply by selecting the UNHCR car option when booking through the Careem ride-hailing app. A Dh3 donation will be added to each economy fare trip. All proceeds raised through the initiative will be sent to the UNHCR to assist with the organisation’s refugee aid programmes.
“Our partnership with the UNHCR is indicative of what we stand for,” said Mudassir Sheikha, cofounder and chief executive officer of Careem. “As a company from the Mena region we are fully focused on supporting all communities in the Middle East, and that must include the millions of refugees struggling to reestablish their lives.
“Our goal is to build an institution that inspires — that means we take our role as responsible community player very seriously. Deeply inspired by the UAE Year of Giving initiative, we felt compelled to act and we are immensely proud to be working with the UNHCR to enable access to more donation opportunities that will make a real difference to refugees.”
Toby Harward, head of UNHCR UAE, said: “With more than 16.7 million refugees and internally displaced persons in the Mena region, there is a big need for new advocacy and funding initiatives in the region, including with the private sector.
“The UNHCR places great importance on seeking creative new approaches for the good of refugees. Our partnership with Careem perfectly reflects this spirit of innovation, and we are really excited by this initiative.”
As a company from the Mena region we are fully focused on supporting all communities in the Middle East, and that must include the millions of refugees struggling to reestablish their lives.” Mudassir Sheikha, cofounder and CEO of Careem
The UNHCR places great importance on seeking creative new approaches for the good of refugees. Our partnership with Careem perfectly reflects this spirit of innovation.”
Toby Harward, head of UNHCR UAE
Following the launch of the initiative in Dubai, Careem and the UNHCR are collaborating to expand the donation opportunity throughout the region to enable more of its users across the Middle East to support refugees. The UNHCR cars are expected to come online in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia before the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan. — Wam