WHEN it comes to getting around Dubai, the options in taxi services are varied. Careem, a chauffeur-driven car booking service which started its operations a little over a year ago, is one convenient, pampering example of arranging your conveyance.
Although costing slightly more than a normal taxi ride, I would highly recommend Careem for those on the go and want reliable and comfortable transportation and here are a few reasons why.
I decided to try their services on one occasion when I needed to get to the airport for a morning flight. I was, however, concerned about rush hour traffic and on getting a taxi and I decided to opt for Careem.
With Careem, all you need to do is register online and instantly book your requirements either on the web or by using their mobile app. The site is easy to use with instant confirmation. Payment is by credit card which is entered into a secure website once when you sign up, and stored for future bookings.
Once you book your requirements, you receive an instant confirmation of your details and the cost of the journey. You can also add any special instructions for the driver.
You receive a text a few hours prior to your journey with details of your driver including his phone number, and later on once again when the car is just outside your doorstep. On the mobile app, you can even track your driver!
Any changes or alterations can be made to a booking prior to the journey, which I did as I thought I should depart a little earlier than first booked. The driver received this information and was at my villa earlier as requested.
Much of the car fleet consists of the Lexus ES350 (or better) and not more than four years old. The drivers are polite and well-acquainted with the city. A nice cold bottle of water is also available. After your drop at your destination, you receive a text asking to rate the service. And needless to say, my rating was positive.
Careem, which means generous in Arabic, although spelt with a ‘k’, was started by Magnus Olsson and Mudassir Sheikha, both former consultants at McKinsey and Company. Its global team is spread between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Karachi, Boston and San Francisco. Careem also offers a business programme where you can get a detailed invoice on the bookings spent by staff.
By Kim Thomson