Latest news with #chauffeur
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.
Times
16-05-2025
- Times
Driver accused of stealing David Lammy's bags ‘thought he had a gun'
The French chauffeur accused of stealing cash and bags from David Lammy thought the foreign secretary had a gun, he has told a prosecutor. According to court documents seen by The Times, Nasim Mimun, 40, from Avignon, made the claim when questioned by the deputy public prosecutor in Bonneville in the French Alps on May 6. The chauffeur has been sent for trial in Bonneville on November 3 on charges of stealing luggage and €700 from Lammy and Nicola Green, the minister's wife. Foreign Office sources have also claimed that he had a knife in the glove box of his vehicle, which he opened to show to Green amid a dispute over the fee. Mimun had driven the couple on a 587km journey from Forli,
Times
14-05-2025
- Times
French driver ‘stole luggage and cash' from David Lammy and wife
A French chauffeur is due in court this year over claims that he stole luggage and cash from the foreign secretary during a trip to the Alps. David Lammy became embroiled in a disagreement with the driver over a disputed €700 fee after he and his wife, Nicola Green, were driven from Italy to the French Alps in April. The Lammys claim that the Avignon-based driver, who provides a car service for VIPs, demanded more money when they arrived at their destination, even though it was agreed that the fare had been paid in full when they set off. While making his demand, it is claimed that the unnamed driver, who was sitting beside Green, opened a compartment between the seats and showed her a
Arabian Business
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Blacklane announces Kuwait chauffeur expansion
The global chauffeur service operates in 50 countries and has been offering premium, pre-booked rides since it was founded in 2011. As Kuwait focuses on improving its transportation infrastructure, including the development of more sustainable mobility solutions such as electric vehicles (EVs), Blacklane provides the perfect fit. Blacklane chauffeur rides in Kuwait Blacklane offers customers comfort, reliability, and a choice of vehicle classes tailored to every need from business vans for group travel, to Business Class and First Class for. The launch marks a significant milestone in Blacklane's international growth strategy, with its expansion into Kuwait playing a key role in supporting the broader expansion strategy across the Middle East. Blacklane is already present in markets such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, among others. With its expansion into Kuwait City, the company is laying the groundwork to roll out its premium chauffeur services nationwide, while continuing to focus on scaling operations to meet the growing demand for high-quality, reliable mobility solutions across the Middle East. Blacklane's expansion into Kuwait City is a key step in the company's mission to provide seamless, high-end chauffeur services to both business and leisure travellers, catering to the increasing demand for luxury transportation in the region. Blacklane plans to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into its local fleet in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to both environmentally responsible solutions and high-quality service in the country. Fabio Adlassnigg, Head of Communications, said: 'This expansion marks a significant milestone for Blacklane. Kuwait is a vital part of our vision for the Middle East, and we're excited to bring our unique standard of service to travellers and residents alike'
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Blacklane expands its global reach with new launch in Kuwait
Kuwait City, Kuwait: Blacklane, the global chauffeur service operating in over 50 countries, today officially announces its expansion into Kuwait City. Founded in 2011, the company offers premium, pre-booked rides worldwide. As Kuwait focuses on improving its transportation infrastructure, including the development of more sustainable mobility solutions such as electric vehicles (EVs), Blacklane provides the perfect fit. Every Blacklane ride guarantees comfort, reliability, and a choice of vehicle classes tailored to every need from spacious Business Vans for group travel, to Business Class for a refined journey, and First Class for the ultimate luxury experience, all while aligning with the region's push for greener and more efficient transportation options. This launch marks a significant milestone in Blacklane's international growth strategy, with its expansion into Kuwait playing a key role in supporting the broader expansion strategy across the Middle East. Blacklane is already present in markets such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, among others. With its expansion into Kuwait City, the company is laying the groundwork to roll out its premium chauffeur services nationwide, while continuing to focus on scaling operations to meet the growing demand for high-quality, reliable mobility solutions across the Middle East. Blacklane's expansion into Kuwait City is a key step in the company's mission to provide seamless, high-end chauffeur services to both business and leisure travelers, catering to the increasing demand for luxury transportation in the region. Blacklane plans to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into its local fleet in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to both environmentally responsible solutions and high-quality service. Fabio Adlassnigg, Head of Communications, emphasises: 'This expansion marks a significant milestone for Blacklane. Kuwait is a vital part of our vision for the Middle East, and we're excited to bring our unique standard of service to travelers and residents alike' Blacklane offers a variety of premium vehicles to suit different needs, including Business Class for solo travelers or small groups seeking comfort and sophistication, Business Van/SUV for groups or families requiring extra space for passengers and luggage, and First Class for those looking for the ultimate luxury experience with high-end vehicles. In Kuwait City, the company now provides premium airport transfers, in-city chauffeur hailing, and chauffeur-by-the-hour services. Rides can be easily booked through their website or mobile app, where customers can select their preferred vehicle and service type for airport transfers or hourly hire. For more information, visit
