Careem
Middle East rideshare super-app. Owned by Uber but operates locally.
What Careem is
Careem is a ride-hailing and everyday-services super-app built for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Now owned by Uber but run as a regional brand, it's the app travelers reach for in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, Amman, and Karachi where it often has deeper local driver coverage than global rivals. Beyond rides, it bundles food delivery, bill payments, and a digital wallet.
What it does for travelers
- ✓Car, taxi, and economy ride options that vary by city and local regulations
- ✓Cash payment accepted in many markets, alongside cards and the in-app Careem wallet
- ✓Food and grocery delivery (Careem Food) plus other services in some countries
- ✓Live driver tracking and fare estimates before you book
- ✓Strong driver supply in Gulf and Levant cities where global apps can be thinner
Good to know
- Requires an account and a phone number for SMS verification, which can be tricky if you swap to a local SIM before registering
- Service availability and ride types differ significantly by country and city
- Cash is widely accepted, useful if your foreign card is declined
- Needs mobile data or Wi-Fi to book and track rides
Tips from the road
- Register with a phone number you can still receive texts on after landing, or sign up before you switch SIMs
- In airports, follow signs to the designated ride-hailing pickup zone, as drivers often can't enter terminal curbs
- Confirm whether the driver expects cash or app payment when they arrive, since both are common
- Save your hotel and key destinations as favorites to avoid spelling local addresses
When to reach for it
Reach for Careem in Gulf, Levant, and Pakistani cities where it tends to have more drivers and better cash-payment support than international apps.
Travelers use Careem in
Careem — frequently asked
Can I pay cash with Careem?
Yes, cash is accepted in many of Careem's markets, though you can also pay by card or with the in-app wallet. The app usually shows which payment methods apply in your city.
Is Careem the same as Uber?
Careem is owned by Uber but operates as a separate regional app with its own drivers and coverage. In many Middle Eastern cities it has stronger local supply than the Uber app itself.
Do I need a local phone number to use Careem?
You need a working phone number to receive the SMS verification code at signup. It doesn't have to be local, but it must be able to receive texts when you register.