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Swvl launches Luxury Travel Vertical, unlocking high-margin growth potential across its operating markets and secures first revenue in the UAE

Swvl launches Luxury Travel Vertical, unlocking high-margin growth potential across its operating markets and secures first revenue in the UAE

Zawya22-05-2025

Launched and collaborating with three top chauffeur providers and two leading travel agencies across existing markets
Swvl's proprietary technology platform powers seamless booking experiences, real-time fleet optimization, and personalized service management, ensuring a world-class experience
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Swvl Holdings Corp ('Swvl' or the 'Company') (Nasdaq: SWVL), a leading global provider of technology-enabled mobility solutions for enterprises and governments, today announced the official launch of its luxury travel vertical, offering a comprehensive suite of premium mobility services designed to meet the rising demand for high-end transportation across its operating markets. The new offering includes luxury airport transfers, on-demand rides, intercity travel, personalized meet-and-greet services, and event transportation solutions, tailored for frequent travelers and corporate clients. This strategic move is aimed to accelerate Swvl's diversification into high-margin business segments, and to support its path towards sustainable profitability.
The United Arab Emirates marks only the beginning of Swvl Luxury Travel's rollout, with the Company actively expanding this use case across the Gulf Cooperation Council ('GCC'), where high-net-worth client segments, mega exhibitions, business travel, and rising traffic congestion are accelerating the demand for premium, technology-enabled mobility solutions. This vertical is already gaining traction in GCC, with growing interest from government entities, luxury hospitality groups, and event organizers. Swvl's expansion into this high-margin vertical reinforces its strategy to scale across high-revenue markets and verticals before replicating the model globally.
Swvl has completed multiple corporate bookings, and is already collaborating with three top chauffeur providers and two leading travel agencies. The Company has also commenced operations with a renowned luxury fashion house to become their preferred transportation partner across the GCC. These agreements are aimed at providing quick market traction and we believe they mark Swvl's position as a preferred luxury mobility partner for both business and leisure travelers.
Mostafa Kandil, Chief Executive Officer of Swvl, commented: 'With this launch, we're expanding our footprint into one of the most promising segments of our industry. The luxury travel market continues to grow rapidly, driven by increasing corporate demand, tourism, and large-scale regional events. Through our technology platform and strategic partnerships, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to deliver premium, reliable, and seamless transportation experiences while driving higher-margin revenues for the business.'
Swvl's proprietary technology platform is aimed to power seamless booking experiences, real-time fleet optimization, and personalized service management, and to ensure a world-class experience for premium travelers. With a strong focus on high-growth markets, we believe that Swvl Luxury Travel is set to become a key player in the premium mobility sector, delivering convenience, efficiency, and operational excellence.
About Swvl
Swvl is a global technology provider offering transformative mobility solutions for enterprises and governments. The Company's platform delivers innovative transportation alternatives, with a goal to enable safer, more efficient, and accessible mobility options. Swvl operates in numerous cities worldwide, providing services that are aimed to empower individuals and organizations to navigate their environments effectively.

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UAE: How to own a stake in property for as little as Dh500

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‬it was predictive‭,‬'‭ ‬says Aggarwal‭. ‬'We foresaw it transitioning from a serene emirate to a global hospitality and investment magnet‭.‬' An emirate comparison A quick comparison between Dubai and RAK's real estate scene brings to the fore some interesting facts‭. ‬Kirill Dolgin‭, ‬founder and CEO of BrokerDeck‭, ‬says‭: ‬'Dubai is a larger‭, ‬more mature‭, ‬and globally established market with higher price points and potentially higher liquidity‭, ‬but RAK has rapid growth trajectory‭, ‬significantly more affordable property prices‭, ‬higher rental yields‭, ‬and capital appreciation potential‭. ‬While Dubai offers a fast-paced‭, ‬ultra-urban lifestyle‭, ‬RAK provides a more relaxed‭, ‬nature-centric environment despite‭ ‬its proximity to Dubai‭.‬' And the numbers prove it‭. ‬In RAK‭, ‬the transaction value increased nearly 25,000‭ ‬per cent‭ ‬and mortgage values surged almost 21,849‭ ‬per cent between June 2017‭ ‬and June 2024‭. ‬Branded residences'‭ ‬growth is projected to be 40‭ ‬per cent of new units by 2029‭ ‬and the average property prices increased by 30‭ ‬per cent in 2022‭, ‬with off-plan rates growing 15-20‭ ‬per cent in 2024‭. ‬'All these indicate that Ras Al Khaimah's real estate market has dramatically transformed from an emerging player to a prime investment destination‭,‬'‭ ‬says Dolgin‭. ‬ Wynn-ing Resort The real game-changer for Ras Al Khaimah is‭, ‬undoubtedly‭, ‬Wynn Resorts at Al Marjan‭, ‬slated to open by 2027‭. ‬Mustafa Haider Kamal‭, ‬senior relationship manager at Richmind‭ ‬—‭ ‬currently working on the Oystra project‭ ‬—‭ ‬believes Wynn's gaming licence was the turning point‭. ‬'It eliminated all the‭ ‬'ifs and buts'‭ ‬about the casino‭,‬'‭ ‬he says‭, ‬noting how it shifted not just market dynamics but also investor mindsets‭. ‬'Perhaps even Dubai or Abu Dhabi could have hosted a Wynn‭, ‬but those cities already have their attractions‭. ‬RAK has landed a big‭ ‬opportunity‭; ‬it's going to transform the economy‭, ‬creating jobs and drawing major brands and hotels‭.‬' Even ahead of completion‭, ‬the project's impact is being likened to the rise of Las Vegas and Macau as global gaming hubs‭. ‬So‭, ‬will RAK become the Vegas of the Middle‭ ‬East‭? ‬Experts suggest a more nuanced take‭. ‬Rather than replicating Vegas‭, ‬the vision here is to create an integrated resort tailored to RAK's distinct environmental and cultural identity‭. ‬The multi-billion-dollar development will feature 1,540‭ ‬keys‭, ‬a meeting‭, ‬incentive‭, ‬convention‭, ‬and exhibition area‭, ‬gaming zones‭, ‬entertainment and luxury retail‭. ‬Clearly‭, ‬it is aimed at attracting both residents and tourists‭.‬ Nevertheless‭, ‬the economic parallels to Macau are compelling‭. ‬'Macau witnessed rapid economic expansion and a significant upswing in property demand and residential property values following‭ ‬the introduction of international casino operators‭,‬'‭ ‬says Dolgin‭. ‬'Similarly‭, ‬Wynn's entry into RAK is expected to drive swift economic growth and heightened property demand‭.‬' The impact is already visible‭. ‬Since the announcement in 2022‭, ‬RAK has seen primary residential sale prices jump dramatically‭; ‬apartment prices surged by around 128‭ ‬per cent‭, ‬while villas rose by 73‭ ‬per cent compared to 2021‭.‬ Tourism‭, ‬too‭, ‬is on an upward curve‭. ‬The casino is expected to propel RAK into a new league‭, ‬with projections estimating over 3‭.‬8‭ ‬million visitors by 2027‭ ‬and more than 5.5‭ ‬million by 2039‭. ‬Some of these numbers may be drawn from Dubai‭, ‬which welcomed 7.5‭ ‬million visitors in the first four months of 2025‭ ‬alone‭. ‬'Those who enjoy gaming experiences will come here rather than fly halfway across the world to Vegas or Macau‭,‬'‭ ‬says Vaya‭.‬ So, how should you invest‭?‬ The flurry of developments is also sending a strong message to savvy investors‭: ‬now is the time to consider owning property in this emerging luxury destination‭. ‬With more accessible entry points and solid growth forecasts‭, ‬experts agree it's an opportune moment to secure that dream home‭.‬ RAK offers many advantages‭ ‬—‭ ‬from diversifying your investment portfolio beyond established markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to tapping into high rental yields‭ (‬up to 12‭ ‬per cent for short-term rentals‭) ‬and potential capital appreciation‭. ‬As Dolgin observes‭: ‬'RAK's focus on enhancing its lifestyle offerings and tourism infrastructure is creating a positive feedback loop‭, ‬directly boosting‭ ‬demand‭, ‬property values and overall investor confidence‭.‬' Pricing is the key‭. ‬Realtors estimate beachfront properties in RAK to currently average Dh3,000–Dh3,500‭ ‬per sqft‭ ‬—‭ ‬a stark contrast to comparable high-value enclaves in Dubai where prices range from Dh5,000‭ ‬to Dh8,000‭ ‬per sqft‭.‬ A useful tip‭: ‬Look at holiday homes and short-term rentals‭. ‬'Holiday homes can deliver a return on investment of 18–25‭ ‬per cent per annum‭,‬'‭ ‬says Haider‭. ‬'People will stay in hotels‭, ‬but there are many who prefer holiday homes‭.‬'‭ ‬Dolgin suggests looking beyond the allure of Al Marjan Island‭. ‬'Consider properties in established areas like Al Hamra‭, ‬RAK Central and other parts of Ras Al Khaimah for their infrastructure and variety‭,‬'‭ ‬he suggests‭.‬ Vaya‭, ‬on the other hand‭, ‬highlights RAK's superior value for space and returns‭. ‬'While an average RAK one BHK is 800-900sqft for a lesser price point and higher rental return‭, ‬the same would be about 700sqft and lesser return in Dubai‭. ‬Go for one or two BHK if you are looking at pure investment‭. ‬For self-use‭, ‬opt for two or three BHKs‭,‬'‭ ‬he advises‭.‬ The novelty and future upside also play in RAK's favour‭. ‬'Once the casino is operational‭, ‬everything else will follow‭,‬'‭ ‬predicts Haider‭. ‬'Imagine the traction by 2030‭. ‬Anyone investing in 2025–26‭ ‬will be sitting on a goldmine‭. ‬Al Marjan is for a niche market of seasoned investors or first-timers with a bold appetite‭.‬' Some other important rules to remember‭: ‬Invest in branded residences‭, ‬do your due diligence‭, ‬and choose developers wisely‭. ‬Vaya‭ ‬concludes‭: ‬'Buy real estate and wait‭ ‬—‭ ‬don't wait to buy real estate‭.‬'

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