Careem to bring ‘self-driving electric pods’ to the Middle East

Application-based car booking service Careem has announced a strategic partnership with NEXT Future Transportation to bring ‘battery-powered, self-driving electric pods’ to the Middle East and North Africa.

Careem said the deal followed UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s initiative to make 25 per cent of all transportation trips in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030.

NEXT’s pods are described as a modular transport system and can drive individually or by attaching to others to form a bus-like structure, allowing passengers to move between each vehicle.

Careem said the pods would be safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly than today’s vehicles and reduce congestion on the roads.

They are primarily designed for mass transportation from door to door and will mean quicker and more efficient daily commuting in the UAE, according to the company.

“We are honoured to create a strategic partnership with such an innovative company as NEXT,” said Careem co-founder and managing director Mudassir Sheikha. “NEXT offers a unique and compelling vision for mass transit. We look forward to working closely with NEXT to pioneer their solutions in the region.”

NEXT founder and chief executive Emmanuele Spera described the pod system as the “world’s finest autonomous mass transit solution”.

Earlier this month, Careem announced a $100m research and development strategy for the next five years.

Read: Careem announces $100m research and development strategy