Latest news with #YoussefAbouseif
Al-Ahram Weekly
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
INTERVIEW: 'Uber sees great potential in Egypt's tech sector': GM - Economy
Ahram Online discussed significant advancements in Egypt's digital infrastructure and how they enhance the operations of ride-hailing apps with Youssef Abouseif, the General Manager (GM) for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain at Uber. Abouseif also delves into the potential and challenges facing the Egyptian tech landscape, the current business atmosphere, and Uber's contributions to the local economy. He highlights the company's commitment to creating a safer, more efficient mobility ecosystem, reflecting a bright future for this burgeoning sector in Egypt. Ahram Online: How do you see the digital infrastructure in Egypt enhancing the operation of ride-hailing apps in the local market? Youssef Abouseif: Egypt has made significant strides in strengthening its digital infrastructure, which is crucial for the growth of ride-hailing services. Improvements in mobile connectivity and digital payment solutions have contributed to a more seamless experience for riders and drivers. Egypt will continue to invest in technology and infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030, which will further enable efficient mobility solutions and drive the industry forward. AO: What is the Egyptian economy's potential regarding the tech industry landscape? Are there any challenges? YA: Egypt has a strong foundation for tech growth with a rapidly expanding digital economy and a young and tech-savvy population. Uber sees excellent potential in Egypt's tech sector and continues to invest in innovative mobility solutions to support its growth. AO: How do you perceive the current doing business atmosphere in Egypt? YA: Egypt remains a key market for Uber, and we are motivated by the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment. Egypt has taken steps to support digital businesses and encourage investment in the technology sector. We remain optimistic about the market's long-term potential and are committed to contributing to its growth. AO: The latest Uber Economic Impact Report includes key figures that show how the ride-hailing industry could benefit local economies. Please expand on these results and their reflection on the Egyptian economy. YA: As a leader in the ride-hailing industry in Egypt, Uber has been a catalyst for economic growth since its launch in 2014 by creating flexible earning opportunities for partner drivers and improving mobility for riders. Uber's EGP 7.4 billion to the economy helped individuals achieve financial security. In addition, we've contributed EGP 3.1 billion in additional value to the tourism sector by providing safe, reliable, and convenient products and features for tourists and locals alike. In 2017, we launched the Cairo Center of Excellence, the largest Uber support hub in EMEA, serving 15 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the US in four languages. In 2018, we launched Uber Bus for the first time globally in Egypt, providing affordable and seamless mobility solutions for Egyptians. Safety remains a top priority. We continue to build on top of our existing safety features to introduce new safety features for riders and driver partners, including in-app emergency features and trip audio recording. In addition, we have laid down industry-leading onboarding guidelines for all partner drivers who sign up for Uber, including criminal record certificates, negative drug tests, vehicle worthiness reports, mandatory safety education, and enhanced screenings that include random monthly randomized drug tests. AO: Could you update us on Uber's expansion plan in Egypt in 2025? YA: We are exploring ways to grow our presence in Egypt. We believe Uber is part of a diverse mobility ecosystem, with public transport being the backbone. We want Uber to be a gateway to multimodal transport, with shared mobility extending the reach of transit and making it a more accessible option. Therefore, we're exploring potential integrations with the monorail lines and other mobility solutions in new urban communities. We are committed to continuing to innovate our mobility, offering and helping people access modes of transport that meet their daily needs. Our focus remains on increasing accessibility to Uber, optimizing earning opportunities, and ensuring a safe and reliable ride-hailing experience for all users. AO: Are there new collaborations in the pipeline with Egypt's government? YA: We continue to engage in ongoing discussions with government stakeholders to explore ways to enhance the sector, including improving transport infrastructure, increasing safety standards, and supporting digital transformation initiatives. Improving safety in the ride-hailing industry is a continuous process that requires active collaboration between policymakers, industry players, and subject matter experts to set legislative frameworks and industry-wide standards. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt is strategic market for Uber in MENA with bold economic atmosphere: CEO to Ahram Online - Markets & Companies
Egypt is a strategic and core market for Uber in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a bold economic atmosphere, Youssef Abouseif, the company's general manager for Egypt, KSA, and Bahrain, told Ahram Online (AO). Abouseif said this on the sidelines of the conference Uber held Thursday in Cairo to present the report showcasing its economic impact in Egypt, marking a decade of operating in the country. He told AO that the ride-hailing company plans to expand locally by launching its services in more governorates nationwide. When asked about the digital infrastructure essential for Uber's operation in the country, Abouseif said: "Egypt has several robust potentials that support Uber operations." He noted that Monorail Egypt, currently under construction, has great potential for Uber as a ride-hailing app. It will connect public and smart transport providers and help the country's public and private sectors. Uber Egypt released its first-ever Economic Impact Report during the conference, highlighting its role in boosting Egypt's economy, empowering Egyptians with economic opportunities, and enhancing mobility. The report also revealed that Uber contributed an estimated EGP 7.4 billion to Egypt's economy. Moreover, it underscored the platform's impact on tourism, adding EGP 3.1 billion to the sector's revenues and demonstrating its tangible benefits for riders and partner drivers. The report, commissioned by Uber and conducted by Public First, also outlined the ride-hailing company's economic impact on local businesses, drivers, and riders in 2023. 'This report demonstrates the power of technology in transforming mobility and creating economic opportunities in Egypt,' Abouseif emphasized. 'Over the past decade, Uber has provided thousands of drivers with flexible earning opportunities and brought innovative solutions to help people access modes of transport that are safe, reliable, and convenient. As we look ahead, we remain committed to working with policymakers and industry players to further unlock the potential of the ride-hailing sector,' he added. Abouseif also revealed that drivers on the app are making EGP 1.8 billion in additional earnings annually. 'By offering opportunities that cater to those with caregiving responsibilities, 73 percent of drivers cited that it enabled them to balance work, family, and personal growth. Moreover, 64 percent reported that Uber helped them earn money in emergency situations, while 47 percent said their earnings through Uber made them feel more financially secure,' the report read. Additionally, the app's features, such as upfront pricing and GPS tracking, improve safety and ease of travel, making Egypt more accessible to global tourists exploring historic landmarks and coastal destinations. According to the report, Uber supported EGP 710 million in value for the leisure economy by enabling safe late-night travel, boosting hospitality, entertainment, and leisure venues, and strengthening economic activity in these sectors. The report also indicated that the Uber app saved riders 8.4 million hours annually or 59 years, enhancing efficiency and convenience. It showed that 70 percent of riders used Uber in emergency situations, while 48 percent relied on it to connect with public transport. The report added that 72 percent of riders used Uber for work commutes, 60 percent for airport rides, and 61 percent for social events. Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt strategic market for Uber in MENA with bold economic atmosphere: CEO to Ahram Online - Markets & Companies
Egypt is a strategic and core market for Uber in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a bold economic atmosphere, Youssef Abouseif, the company's general manager for Egypt, KSA, and Bahrain, told Ahram Online (AO). Abouseif said this on the sidelines of the conference Uber held Thursday in Cairo to present the report showcasing its economic impact in Egypt, marking a decade of operating in the country. He told AO that the ride-hailing company plans to expand locally by launching its services in more governorates nationwide. When asked about the digital infrastructure essential for Uber's operation in the country, Abouseif said: "Egypt has several robust potentials that support Uber operations." He noted that Monorail Egypt, currently under construction, has great potential for Uber as a ride-hailing app. It will connect public and smart transport providers and help the country's public and private sectors. Uber Egypt released its first-ever Economic Impact Report during the conference, highlighting its role in boosting Egypt's economy, empowering Egyptians with economic opportunities, and enhancing mobility. The report also revealed that Uber contributed an estimated EGP 7.4 billion to Egypt's economy. Moreover, it underscored the platform's impact on tourism, adding EGP 3.1 billion to the sector's revenues and demonstrating its tangible benefits for riders and partner drivers. The report, commissioned by Uber and conducted by Public First, also outlined the ride-hailing company's economic impact on local businesses, drivers, and riders in 2023. 'This report demonstrates the power of technology in transforming mobility and creating economic opportunities in Egypt,' Abouseif emphasized. 'Over the past decade, Uber has provided thousands of drivers with flexible earning opportunities and brought innovative solutions to help people access modes of transport that are safe, reliable, and convenient. As we look ahead, we remain committed to working with policymakers and industry players to further unlock the potential of the ride-hailing sector,' he added. Abouseif also revealed that drivers on the app are making EGP 1.8 billion in additional earnings annually. 'By offering opportunities that cater to those with caregiving responsibilities, 73 percent of drivers cited that it enabled them to balance work, family, and personal growth. Moreover, 64 percent reported that Uber helped them earn money in emergency situations, while 47 percent said their earnings through Uber made them feel more financially secure,' the report read. Additionally, the app's features, such as upfront pricing and GPS tracking, improve safety and ease of travel, making Egypt more accessible to global tourists exploring historic landmarks and coastal destinations. According to the report, Uber supported EGP 710 million in value for the leisure economy by enabling safe late-night travel, boosting hospitality, entertainment, and leisure venues, and strengthening economic activity in these sectors. The report also indicated that the Uber app saved riders 8.4 million hours annually or 59 years, enhancing efficiency and convenience. It showed that 70 percent of riders used Uber in emergency situations, while 48 percent relied on it to connect with public transport. The report added that 72 percent of riders used Uber for work commutes, 60 percent for airport rides, and 61 percent for social events. Short link:
