Uber X halted in Dubai

Uber X is no more in Dubai.

Uber halted its least-expensive ride-sharing option in Dubai on September 1. The move follows a decision by Dubai’s Road and transport Auhtority (RTA) to stop it.

The RTA did not specify why it decided to halt the service.

Uber’s Black, Select and XL services are still available. Those services typically cost more than Uber X, but provide more luxury and options for large groups.

Read: Uber to retain Careem brand for now

In March, Uber purchased another ride-sharing company, Dubai-based Careem, for $3.1bn. The acquisition is the largest purchase of a technology company in the Middle East to date.

Careem recently teamed up with the RTA to create a joint venture companuy called Hala. Through Hala’s app, users can book RTA taxis.

Read: New taxi-hailing service from Dubai’s RTA and Careem to officially launch in September

Careem has operations in about 15 countries and 120 cities – including throughout the Gulf and wider MENA region – while Uber has operations in almost 800 cities worldwide and an estimated 110 million users.