Uber launches ride services in Sharjah

Uber has launched its ride-hailing services in the emirate of Sharjah, it announced on Tuesday.

Customers in Sharjah can access UberSelect, Uber’s more affordable service.

Apart from serving the community, the launch is timed to create “additional earning opportunities for drivers during a challenging time”, the company said in a statement.

“We’ve seen the benefits of rapid technology adoption and improved access to transportation in the region. Covid-19 has presented unprecedented challenges, but as we work towards accelerating recovery, we’re focusing on our strengths – offering safe, reliable, and affordable mobility solutions and investing in securing the livelihoods of drivers by creating additional earning opportunities,” said Rifad Mahasneh, general manager, GCC and Levant at Uber MENA.

“The UAE is committed to driving urban mobility and leading smart cities of the future, and we believe we have an important role to play in facilitating this vision, advancing the mobility system, and ultimately improving people’s quality of life,” he added.

As part of the precautionary measures in place to prevent the transmission of the virus, Uber has made it compulsory for masks to be worn by both riders and drivers, and offering them the flexibility to cancel a ride without incurring a penalty, if they’re not wearing a mask.

Additionally, drivers must regularly sanitise their cars and make hand sanitisers available for riders too.

Riders on their part are required to wash their hands before getting in the car, sit in the backseat and not exceed the maximum number of people allowed in a vehicle at a time.

Other safety measure in place for riders and drivers include GPS tracking on the app, driver screenings, real-time ID check, trusted contacts and trip anonymization too.