Careem
Middle East rideshare super-app. Rides arm owned by Uber; the app is majority-owned by e&.
What Careem is
Careem is a ride-hailing and everyday-services super-app built for the Middle East and North Africa. Its rides business is owned by Uber but run as a regional brand, and it's the app travelers reach for in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, Amman, and Casablanca 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
Travel tips
- 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 North African cities where it tends to have more drivers and better cash-payment support than international apps.
Where we list Careem
7 destinations, with what it's good for in each.
- 🇦🇪United Arab EmiratesDominant rideshare + food + delivery + payments in UAE.
- 🇪🇬EgyptStrong alternative — often cheaper than Uber.
- 🇲🇦MoroccoMinor player in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh — inDrive is far bigger.
- 🇸🇦Saudi ArabiaDominant rideshare across Saudi Arabia.
- 🇰🇼KuwaitStrong rideshare.
- 🇯🇴JordanMain rideshare in Amman.
- 🇧🇭BahrainThe main ride-hailing app across Manama and the island — fixed in-app fares, card or cash.
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?
Uber owns Careem's ride-hailing business, but Careem runs as a separate regional app (majority-owned by e&) 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.
Last reviewed in September 2026. Pack My Apps is independent — Careemdidn't pay to be listed and the download links aren't affiliate links. Features, fees and country coverage change, so confirm anything your trip depends on in the app itself. Report an error.