Uber-Careem deal gets widespread praise

Twitter / @HHShkMohd

Dubai's Ruler has hailed Uber's purchase of Careem.

In a Tweet, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said it was another example of a giant company flourishing in the "desert" of the emirate.

He compared it to Amazon's acquisition of Souq.com two years ago.

On Tuesday, global ride-hailing firm Uber confirmed it will spend $3.1 billion to acquire Middle East rival Careem.

Meanwhile, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) says Uber’s acquisition of Careem will have no implications on their contract with the latter to establish an e-hail taxi company.

In a statement, they said the deal reflects the maturity and flexibility of Dubai’s economy.

They also said partnerships within the private sector were always welcome. 

More from Business

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

    8:00pm - 11:00pm

    Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from eight, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.