Latest news with #SohamShah
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
SelfDrive Mobility accelerates growth with flexible monthly subscriptions
SelfDrive Mobility, a leading mobility tech company, has announced the exclusive launch of the all-new Geely Cityray, now available through flexible monthly subscriptions via the SelfDrive app. Soham Shah, CEO and Founder of SelfDrive Mobility, commented on the launch, stating, 'The Geely Cityray was just introduced in the UAE, and we're excited to offer it on SelfDrive even before it enters the traditional rental fleet market. This reflects our commitment to delivering brand-new models to our users through a platform built on convenience, flexibility, and digital innovation.' Available exclusively through the SelfDrive app, this launch reinforces the company's all-digital subscription model, which offers seamless vehicle access, instant booking, paperless onboarding, and complete transparency in pricing. The app-based model appeals strongly to Gen Z and millennial users who prioritize mobile-first experiences and flexible service options. The launch also marks another milestone in SelfDrive's ongoing collaboration with Geely's regional dealership partner. Priced from Dh1,699 per month, the Geely Cityray subscription will be offered on an all-inclusive basis. This includes insurance, routine service and maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and optional doorstep delivery across the UAE. Customers can subscribe without long-term commitments or hidden costs, with the ability to start driving within just two hours of booking. SelfDrive Mobility, established in 2017 in the UAE, has rapidly grown into a leading mobility tech company, offering smart mobility solutions with maximum flexibility. With operations across the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, UK, Ireland, and Turkey, SelfDrive Mobility has served more than 1.5 million customers from 95 different nationalities. The platform provides unique access to more than 100 car models from 50+ renowned brands directly from dealerships, ensuring a perfect match for every customer's needs.
Gulf Business
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
SelfDrive's Soham Shah on raising the bar for premium mobility services
Images: Supplied Digital car rental platform SelfDrive Mobility recently launched OTO — a tech-driven, chauffeur-powered luxury service currently operating across the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. From tailored intercity rides and event transport to corporate and school mobility, OTO aims to revolutionize how business travelers, tourists, and high-net-worth individuals experience comfort and sophistication on the move. We speak to Soham Shah, founder and CEO of Soham Shah What inspired SelfDrive to launch the new chauffeur-driven, luxury service? At SelfDrive Mobility, we've always been focused on addressing evolving consumer needs through innovation and convenience. Over the last few years, we noticed a strong demand for elevated, chauffeur-driven experiences — especially among tourists, business travelers, and high-net-worth individuals. With OTO, we wanted to reimagine what premium mobility looks like in today's digital-first world. The goal was to integrate a curated luxury fleet and professional chauffeur services to create an experience that goes beyond transportation—offering reliability, sophistication, and ease. What truly sets OTO apart is the personalised touch we bring to every journey. From tailored route planning to attentive chauffeur services, we ensure that each ride is crafted around the individual needs and preferences of our clients, delivering a seamless and luxurious travel experience every time. What is the anticipated growth of luxury, chauffeur-driven services in the years to come? The luxury chauffeur-driven market in the GCC is set to grow steadily, driven by rising tourism, increased business travel, and demand for tech-enabled premium mobility. The premium transportation sector is expected to reach Dhs17bn by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8% over the next five years. Recent trends — such as a significant rise in passenger volumes, expanding fleets, and a 44 per cent increase in trips within the luxury and e-hailing space —underscore the sector's momentum. As the region strengthens its position as a global hub, platforms like OTO, offering a seamless blend of personalisation and luxury, are well-positioned to lead this shift. What trends do you see ruling the auto industry in the coming months and years? In addition to chauffeur-driven services, the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous taxis is transforming urban mobility. EVs reduce emissions and promote sustainability, while autonomous taxis improve efficiency, safety, and accessibility. Together, they will reshape infrastructure with smarter traffic systems and expanded charging networks, leading to cleaner cities and a more seamless, customer-centric transport experience. OTO is addressing a critical gap in the market by optimizing vehicle utilisation through a strategic pool of luxury cars that leverage existing infrastructure. What sets OTO apart from other chauffeur-driven services currently operating in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain? What truly sets OTO apart is that it's more than just a chauffeur-driven service — it's a comprehensive, all-in-one premium mobility solution. Under one unified platform, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet diverse customer needs, from hourly, daily, and monthly chauffeur bookings to intercity transfers, corporate mobility, group transport, event rides, and even school rides. Whether you're a business executive, a tourist, attending a major event, or a parent seeking reliable school transportation, OTO brings all these services together seamlessly. We identified a clear gap in the market for a premium, technology-driven chauffeur service that simplifies bookings while offering a range of tailored options. Every OTO journey is powered by a professionally trained chauffeur, a luxury vehicle, and a commitment to excellence — making premium travel more accessible, convenient, and connected than ever before. Do you have plans to expand to other GCC or international markets? If so, what's the timeline? Yes, absolutely. We see strong potential for OTO in other GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, as well as select international destinations where premium chauffeur-driven mobility is in demand. We are set to launch in the UK as early as Q3 of 2025. This will be followed by a strategic expansion across GCC markets in Q4 of 2025. The phased rollout will align with market demand, strategic partnerships, and our commitment to ensuring the same level of service excellence. What kind of investment went into the development and launch of OTO, and what are your projected returns over the next 12–24 months? The development and rollout of OTO is a part of our strategic investment of $5m. We're projecting strong EBITDA margins upwards of 20–25 per cent over the next 12–24 months, driven by increasing demand for premium, reliable mobility solutions in both the business and leisure sectors. What are your plans for the upcoming years? We're focused on scaling OTO across new markets, continuously expanding our luxury fleet, and enhancing the personalized user experiences. We also plan to integrate more sustainable vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, to support the UAE and GCC's green mobility goals. In parallel, we'll continue developing corporate partnerships and strategic collaborations to deepen our reach in the business travel and travel trade segment. Our long-term vision is to make OTO the go-to premium chauffeur-driven service across the Middle East and beyond.
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
CBSE results: Pune region pass percentage: 96.54% in Class 10 & 90.93% in Class 12
By Soham Shah & Kivi Lydia Vito The Pune region has recorded 96.54 per cent pass rate in the CBSE Class 10 results declared on Tuesday. This places Pune fifth among the 16 CBSE regions nationwide. Thiruvananthapuram ranked first with 99.79 per cent pass rate, followed by Vijaywada, Bengaluru and Chennai. The Pune region encompasses CBSE schools in Maharashtra, Goa, Daman, and Diu. In Maharashtra, 1,17,237 students appeared for the exams, with 1,13,257 clearing it. The state recorded a pass percentage of 96.61. The state has 1,367 CBSE schools and 408 board exam centres. In Pune region overall 1,20,588 students registered for the Class 10 exam while 1,20,288 actually appeared for it with 1,16,123 out of them clearing the exam. Boys secured a pass percentage of 95.96 per cent while girls recorded a pass rate of 97.30 per cent. Class 12 results The Pune region recorded a 90.93 per cent pass rate in the CBSE Class 12 results declared on Tuesday. The region ranked ninth in the country. The first place was bagged by Vijayawada followed by Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi West, Delhi East, Chandigarh, and Panchkula. Pune finished three spots lower than last year, when it was ranked sixth. Pune ranked eighth in 2023 and 12th in 2022. In Maharashtra, 34,703 students appeared for the exams out of which 31,468 (90.68 percent) passed the exams. Girls in Pune region secured a pass percentage of 92.97 per cent while boys secured a pass rate of 89.17 per cent. A total of 37,175 students from the Pune region enrolled for the exam, out of which 36,995 appeared for the exam and 33,639 cleared it.
Khaleej Times
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
GCC and Western expats to drive demand for car rentals in UAE during Eid
SelfDrive Mobility, a leading mobility tech company specialising in car rental and subscription services across the Middle East, anticipates a significant surge in demand as GCC nationals and Western expats make up a major share of inbound travelers to the UAE. With projections indicating that over 75% of visitors will be from the GCC and more than 35% will be Western expats, SelfDrive is poised to achieve more than 30% growth in the coming months. The UAE remains a top destination for business and leisure travelers, with a growing number of visitors seeking flexible, hassle-free mobility solutions. SelfDrive's advanced car rental platform offers a seamless booking experience with a wide range of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and electric cars, catering to the evolving needs of travelers. 'This surge in inbound traffic, especially from the GCC and Western markets, reflects a strong demand for convenient and tech-driven mobility solutions. With our digital-first approach and an extensive fleet, we are well-positioned to cater to the needs of short-term visitors and long-term residents alike,' said Soham Shah, CEO and Founder of SelfDrive Mobility. The platform's ability to offer multi-currency transactions, paperless rentals, and doorstep delivery has made it a preferred choice for regional and international travelers. As the UAE continues to witness a boom in tourism, business activities, and major global events, SelfDrive remains at the forefront of providing innovative and customer-centric mobility solutions. SelfDrive Mobility, established in 2017 in the UAE, has rapidly grown into a leading car rental and subscription platform, offering smart mobility solutions with maximum flexibility. With operations across UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, UK, Ireland, and Turkey, Selfdrive Mobility has served over 1.5 million customers from 95 different nationalities. The platform provides access to more than 100 car models from 50+ renowned brands directly from dealerships.
Khaleej Times
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Ramadan drives 35% surge in car rentals, with full-size SUVs in high demand
Some car leasing companies are experiencing a surge of up to 35 per cent in rentals during Ramadan. The demand is high for full-size SUVs, which indicates an increase in large groups and families using car rentals for community gatherings, according to experts. Car rental and subscription service company SelfDrive Mobility is anticipating a 30 to 35 per cent surge in app-based bookings, driven by shifting mobility patterns, flexible work schedules, and increased social and family gatherings. "During Ramadan, we observe a significant increase in reservations, particularly for full-size SUVs," said Soham Shah, CEO and founder of the company. "This trend is driven by families and groups preferring spacious and comfortable vehicles for iftar gatherings, late-night commutes, and long-distance travel. The extended evening hours and changes in commuting patterns also contribute to higher demand during this period." The holy month of Ramadan, which is likely to begin on March 1, will see Muslims worldwide fasting from dawn to dusk. During this month, school hours are shortened and many private and government offices have reduced and different work timings. This brings about a change in patterns in spending, socialising and commuting across the UAE. Business picks up slowly According to Rahul Singh, Managing Director of car rental at AA Al Moosa Enterprises, the month of Ramadan will start slowly before picking up. 'Ramadan typically starts with a slower pace, but by the end of the first week, demand picks up steadily, reaching its peak in the final days leading into Eid Al Fitr,' he said. 'During this time, larger vehicles, particularly SUVs, are in high demand as families prefer spacious, comfortable rides for evening outings when the city comes to life.' He said that demand remained steady at airports throughout the month, reflecting travel preferences and holiday planning trends in the region. 'However, our mall locations see a significant rise in activity during the evenings,' he said. "As families and friends gather after Iftar, shopping centres become a hub for dining, entertainment, and social outings, driving increased car rentals during these hours. This shift in routine creates distinct demand patterns, with more short-term and evening rentals compared to other times of the year." Budget friendly cars As per the data of the super app Careem, despite the increase in demand for larger vehicles in Ramadan, budget-friendly vehicles topped the list of the most popular cars. 'A key trend shaping the industry is the rise of budget-friendly cars with modern tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and reverse cameras,' said a spokesperson. 'Chinese manufacturers are leading this shift, offering competitive pricing, feature-rich vehicles, and stylish designs. Currently, Chinese brands hold approximately 20 per cent of the UAE's rental market, and this share is expected to grow further. Japanese car manufacturers, who dominate this segment, may need to take note and adapt.' He added that Careem usually observed a dip of 10 to 15 per cent during Ramadan, but this year, with the month overlapping with tourist season, an influx of visitors is expected to offset the decline.
