Dubai taxi hailing app Careem expands into Palestine

Dubai-based taxi hailing app Careem has announced its expansion into Palestine.

The company said the launch was designed to support Palestine’s tech ecosystem and alleviate local transport issues.

Operations will begin in Ramallah from June 15 with plans to extend into other Palestinian cities in the near future.

Careem currently operates ride services in more than 80 cities in 13 countries and has recently expanded its offering to include courier services in some markets.

Read: Dubai’s ride sharing app Careem begins courier delivery services

It also launched a more affordable service on a trial basis in Dubai in April following a similar move by rival Uber.

Read: After Uber, ride sharing app Careem launches affordable service in Dubai

In March the company said it would expand into second-tier cities in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan this year as well as new markets in North Africa and the Levant.

Founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha also indicated the company was seeking acquisitions and potential exit options for investors including an IPO after it was valued at about $1bn in a recent funding round.

Read: Taxi sharing app Careem on lookout for acquisitions, IPO an option