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Hi Dubai
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Careem Rides Delivers Over 300,000 Student Trips in Third Year of School Rides Service in Dubai
Careem Rides has successfully completed its third academic year of the School Rides service, facilitating more than 300,000 student trips across Dubai. Launched in 2023 in partnership with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA), School Rides offers affordable, reliable daily transportation for students to and from over 500 schools across the city. The service has gained strong traction in neighborhoods including Marina, JVC, Al Barsha, Nad El Sheba, and JVT, providing families with a convenient alternative to traditional school transport. Packages start at AED 260 for 20 rides, offering up to 35% savings compared to standard bookings, with flexible options for up to three students to share rides from the same community. Safety remains a key focus, with only top-rated and experienced drivers permitted to operate School Rides. Parents benefit from 24/7 support, real-time trip tracking, and instant notifications for peace of mind. The service recently earned a 5-star rating from the International Best Practice Competition, highlighting its quality and impact. Families can prepare for the next academic year by purchasing customized School Rides packages via the Careem Everything app ahead of the new school term. News Source: Burson Global


Mid East Info
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Careem School Rides Provide Landmark Academic Year of Everyday Stress-Free School Commutes across Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
Over 300,000 reliable and affordable School rides facilitated to over 500 different educational institutions during the 2024/25 academic year showcasing widespread adoption Dubai, UAE – July, 2025 – As the academic year concludes, Careem Rides, the region's choice for facilitating reliable, convenient and stress-free everyday commutes through the Careem Everything App, shares a recap of the third academic year for 'School Rides' since its launch in Dubai. School Rides was launched on the Careem app in 2023 in partnership with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA), and brings affordable and reliable everyday commutes to students to and from schools around Dubai. This academic year alone, more than 300,000 School rides were facilitated, a significant milestone that underscores its growing popularity, reliability and convenience the service brings. School Rides – playing a vital role in alleviating the pressures of school transport – has seen widespread adoption across the emirate, catering to students commuting to and from more than 500 educational institutions across Dubai and in various neighborhoods demonstrating comprehensive reach. It had additionally shown widespread appeal across various communities, including Marina, JVC, Al Barsha, Nad El Sheba, and JVT, bringing convenience and accessibility for families across diverse communities around the city. Parents in Dubai continue to laud the benefits of School Rides, with fixed package prices, ride fares not impacted by peak times, and delivering savings of up to 35% compared to regular bookings. School Rides packages start at AED 260 for 20 rides, valid for 60 days and customized based on the customers' home and school locations. Furthermore, up to three students from the same location or community can share a ride – as long as no additional stops are needed—offering greater savings, added convenience, and helping reduce traffic by lowering the number of cars on the road. As safety remains to be a priority for Careem Rides, only experienced and top-rated Captains qualify to use School Rides. Additionally, with a dedicated 24/7 on-call care support team, real-time in-app trip tracking, and instant notifications on trips, parents can enjoy true peace of mind throughout daily school commutes*. The success of School Rides is a testament to Careem Rides dedication in utilizing technology to bring everyday commuting products that cater to local needs. Most recently, School Rides was awarded a 5-star rating by the International Best Practice Competition (IBPC), a recognition that underscores the services' quality and impact as a result of Careem Rides' strong partnership and close collaboration with Dubai's RTA. Customers interested in purchasing a School Rides package post the summer holidays ahead of the upcoming academic year, can head to the School Rides option available through the Careem Everything app and customize the package based on their home and school location, for reliable and convenient everyday commutes starting from the first day of school. About Careem Rides: Careem Rides is a wholly owned subsidiary of Uber Inc, facilitating reliable, convenient and stress-free everyday commutes in the MENA region, through a diverse portfolio of offerings through the Careem Everything App. Since launching in the UAE in 2012, we are now available in more than 70 cities in 9 countries across the region, creating flexible economic opportunities for millions of Captains, and facilitating millions of rides in and around cities for customers.


What's On
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
These are the RTA's top tips to stay safe on the roads this summer
The summer months are a testing time for all, naturally, given the extreme temperatures and the effects that come with it. A brand new road safety campaign, 'Summer Without Accidents', by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is aiming to offer motorists in Dubai the support they need this season with a series of public services directives – reducing avoidable accidents and improving safety in mobility. Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police, the campaign will run from July through to September, with a broader objective to achieve as part of the traffic awareness strategy for this peak season. What are the directives? Another important part of the campaign is to increase awareness about the importance of regular basic vehicle maintenance before any journey, and more in-depth checks at regular intervals throughout the season. Simple inspections like checking the tyre pressure, engine oil, coolant levels, and looking for fluid leaks before you set off can prevent mid-road breakdowns and reduce the risk of accidents. RTA's top tips for car health: Make sure the air conditioning system works properly to keep the vehicle interior cool during extreme heat. Check engine oil and radiator coolant levels regularly, as overheating is more likely in summer. Maintain correct tyre pressure and replace worn tyres to avoid blowouts. Keep the brake system clean and replace worn parts. Clean windows and headlights for better visibility. Avoid parking under direct sunlight for long periods to prevent the vehicle interiors and systems from overheating. A point highlighted with extreme emphasis is children's safety, a major summer hazard we have seen over the years. Parents have been urged by authorities to not leave their children behind in cars unattended, even if air-conditioned and even for a short period of time. Children can suffer from heatstroke or suffocation in a sealed car within minutes. Where to look out for them? The wide range of public outreach initiatives in the campaign include awareness messages displayed on digital billboards across the city, at Customer Happiness Centres, and on RTA's smart apps and social media channels, with government and private sector partners also joining in to amplify the reach. To spread the message further, RTA is engaging with the community through popular events such as Dubai Summer Surprises and student summer camps that attract public attention. Each awareness initiative is tailored to suit the event and audience, with special emphasis on reaching families and young drivers. The effects of extreme heat As the temperatures continue to climb, residents are being urged by the NCM and experts alike to protect themselves from the scorching temperatures by taking the necessary precautions to prioritise health and safety, as the temperatures are more than just uncomfortable. They pose serious risks to our health, and this in turn affects road safety. Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors during peak hours, especially during daylight hours and in the afternoons, as well as wearing loose, light-coloured clothing, carrying umbrellas and sunglasses and wearing sunscreen. Hydration is key, and one must stay hydrated by intaking lots of water, electrolytes, and other refreshing fluids like anise, mint, hibiscus, and green tea. @rta_dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


CNBC
30-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Joby Aviation stock pops 14% after delivering first flying taxi to UAE
Joby Aviation stock soared about 14% as the flying air taxi maker got closer to launching a service in the United Arab Emirates. The electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, company said Monday that it delivered its first aircraft to the UAE and has completed piloted flight tests as it readies for a 2026 launch in the region. "Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide," said founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt in a release. He called the Middle East nation a "launchpad for a global revolution in how we move." Joby's planned launch in the UAE was announced in February 2024 as part of an agreement with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority. The deal included exclusive rights to conduct air taxi service in Dubai for six part of the project, Joby said in November that it began building one vertiport at Dubai International Airport, with three additional locations slated for Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's downtown and marina. Joby also announced an air taxi agreement with three Abu Dhabi government departments in 2024. The California-based company has made other expansion moves in the Middle East. Shares jumped earlier this month after Saudi Arabian firm Abdul Latif Jameel announced a roughly $1 billion investment for up to 300 eVTOLs. The firm participated in Joby's Series C funding round. Joby shares have surged more than 32% this year, swelling its market capitalization to over $9 billion. Demand for air taxis, which take off and land similar to helicopters, has gained momentum in recent years. The service faces regulatory and safety hurdles but has been lauded for its ability to cut traffic congestion and slash emissions. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that included a pilot program for testing electric air taxis.


The Verge
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Joby delivers first aircraft to Dubai as air taxi service nears launch
Joby Aviation is getting ready to take flight. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company has delivered its first production aircraft to Dubai, where it plans to launch a commercial air taxi service in early 2026. Joby, which has successfully completed multiple flight tests with a pilot onboard, says it has begun in-market testing ahead of the anticipated launch of commercial operations. It's a significant milestone for Joby, which has been developing the technology to power its multi-rotor aircraft since 2009. And its a significant milestone for the fledgling air taxi sector, which has been leaning on hype and promises for the future of air travel to attract investors and potential clients while its aircraft trudge through years of safety testing and certification. Dubai is aiming to become a launchpad for advanced air mobility, granting Joby a six-year exclusive operating agreement last year. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit, provides Joby with regulatory and financial support from Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The company has said it will begin operations from four planned vertiports, including Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah. It's a significant milestone for Joby, which has been developing the technology to power its multi-rotor aircraft since 2009. In addition to the delivery in Dubai, Joby is also making progress here in the United States. The company is about to begin a process mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration called Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), in which the FAA sends its own pilots to test out Joby's aircraft. TIA signals the final stage of testing before commercial passenger operations can begin. 'In my view,' said Paul Sciarra, chair of Joby's board of directors, in an interview, 'this combination — both the beginnings of commercial service in a big international city, plus the real last lap of the certification program — I think are going to be the two things that gear shifts this in people's mind from, 'Gosh, this is awesome, like, when's it going to show up?' to 'Holy crap, it's happening tomorrow.'' In addition to test flights, the company plans on conducting a series of demonstration flights along the routes it plans on flying. Then it will shift to commercial trips by the end of this year or early next, he said. Sciarra also said the environmental conditions in Dubai present a unique challenge, with average temperatures usually around 110 degrees. Maintaining reliable air conditioning in the aircraft will be crucial for passenger comfort, he said. And there are a lot more 'boxes to check' before commercial flights can commence, including training on-the-ground mechanics and flight crews. 'I think we're getting ever closer to that moment when people are going to be able to go to a place and book a flight on this service, or see these aircraft flying over a place that they're familiar with,' Sciarra said. 'That's not years away. That's like months away at this point.' Joby's all-electric aircraft has six rotors and seats five, including the pilot. The vehicle can take off vertically, like a helicopter, and then shift into forward flight using tilt rotors. Joby says it can reach a top speed of 200mph, travel 150 miles on a single battery charge, and is 100 times quieter than a conventional aircraft. Its pouch-style lithium-ion batteries power the craft's six electric motors for at least 10,000 flight cycles, according to Joby's founder JoeBen Bevirt. Joby is also ramping up manufacturing, making it the first eVTOL maker to deliver multiple production aircraft. The company now has five aircraft in its test fleet, including a hybrid hydrogen-electric variant. A second aircraft was recently delivered to the US Air Force as part of its ongoing defense partnerships. Joby has received approximately $1 billion in outside investment, including $750 million from Toyota. Still, the company has struggled to meet financial expectations, reporting $0 in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. Joby is hoping Dubai will set the stage for its inevitable launch in the US, including key markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Florida. And as its manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, starts churning out more aircraft, the company expects that it will really take flight. 'The broader external question,' Sciarra said, 'is how many markets can we credibly address in this near term?'