BAGHDAD, Iraq: Careem, the region’s leading ride-hailing service in the MENA, Turkey and Pakistan, has announced the expansion of its services into the Republic of Iraq, as part of its broader commitment to improving transportation across the region.
With the introduction of Careem’s ride-hailing services in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, residents will be introduced to a dynamic, safe, and affordable new mode of transportation. Using Careem’s mobile application-based service, residents of Baghdad can now order rides 24/7 via the app and, through GPS technology, can be picked up and dropped off at the exact locations of their choosing.
Through flexible payment options – including cash, credit card, or Careem credit – the company helps make getting around more convenient. Furthermore, by employing local Captains and creating new job opportunities for Iraqi citizens, Careem is moving closer toward its goal of creating one million jobs across the Middle East and North Africa by 2018.
Commenting on the launch of its services in Iraq, the Co-founder & CEO of Careem, Mudassir Sheikha, said, “Today marks a key milestone for Careem. Iraq is a country with rich heritage and strategic importance for the region. We are determined to overcome local challenges so that we can simplify mobility for Iraqis and create income-generating opportunities for them and their families. Through our presence on the ground, we hope to contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq to its former status as one of the leading nations in the Middle East.”
Also commenting on this occasion, the Managing Director of Emerging Markets at Careem, Ibrahim Manna, said, “We at Careem are honored to be able to launch our services in Baghdad, as this marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the lives of individuals and communities across the region. In addition to providing safe, innovative transportation for residents, we are also delighted to recruit Iraqi citizens to serve as Captains, providing these individuals with the opportunity to better support themselves and their families. We also hope that, by introducing new technologies and services to the country, Careem can be a powerful force for inspiring and propelling further innovation.”
Along with its ride-hailing operations in over 13 countries across the greater MENA region, Careem has established research and development departments and call centers in Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Germany, further emphasizing its aim of propelling continuous innovation, economic growth, and job creation on an international scale.
Careem boasts a diverse array of high-profile investors from across the region and beyond, all of whom are helping accelerate the company’s growth and innovation. These investors include esteemed companies like Al Tayyar Group, the largest institutional investor in Careem; Kingdom Holding Company; Rakuten; STC Ventures; Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride hailing firm; Daimler AG; DCM Ventures; Coatue Management; Lumia Capital; and Wamda Capital.
Careem will officially commence its operations in Baghdad on January 15, 2018, with plans to expand in more cities across Iraq in the near future. Established in 2012, Careem now operates in more than 90 cities across more than 13 countries, and boasts over 15 million users and 500,000 Captains (drivers) in the broader Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan region.
For inquiries about how to become a Captain, interested individuals may simply apply through the Careem website. Eligible individuals will receive full training that will allow them to earn a steady, reliable income.
