The sector is expected to see players increasingly shifting their business models to embrace multi-verticality
delivery services
Latest in delivery services
Careem
Careem announces launch of all new beach delivery service with GPS umbrellas
Customers can unlock these umbrellas by scanning a QR code through the Careem application, allowing delivery personnel to locate them with precision
delivery services
Revealed: Saudi Arabia’s hyperlocal retail market poised for $13.5bn surge, driving sector growth by 2030
The Kingdom’s hyperlocal market is predicted to see a number of IPOs as leading players scurry to raise investments to fund their aggressive growth plans
Careem
Careem Food ‘Dirhams for Delays’ campaign launches in Abu Dhabi
Running from September 2 until October 31, the campaign reimburses customers AED1 for every minute that their order is delayed, based on the promised delivery time (ETA)
Autonomous mobility
Dubai’s Sustainable City launches autonomous delivery robot trial
Three robots, developed by Dubai Future Labs, will provide delivery services from restaurants and shops in the plaza area to residents
Deliveroo
Deliveroo launches mobile hydration stations, kits, ‘Roo Buses’ for riders during UAE summer months
The initiatives aim to assist riders navigating the warmer weather safely and comfortably, Deliveroo chief Yazan Aburaqabeh explained
delivery services
Dubai calling: Ukrainian serial entrepreneur Ivan Kroshny launching his 5th venture in the emirate
Kroshny’s latest venture in Dubai is greatly influenced by COP28, which brought home the urgency of sustainability measures on war footing to tackle global warming – threatening to turn into ‘global boiling’ in the not-so-distant future
Careem
Careem Food relaunches ‘Dirhams for Delays’ campaign
Only 1 out of 20 orders were delivered past the estimated time of arrival in 2022 and 2023
Amazon
Amazon UAE signs lease agreement with Hamriyah Free Zone Authority for new logistics center
New logistics center in Hamriyah Free Zone to enable seamless delivery experience across the Northern Emirates
delivery services
Dubai ‘perfect choice’ for ride-hailing app Yango to set up global office
The company’s presence in Dubai is expected to enrich the tech sector, empower local talent, foster innovation, and facilitate global knowledge exchange
Apple
Careem announces 30-minute delivery of iPhone 15
Careem’s ‘Quik’ features ensures customers receive fresh produce, groceries, and household items at supermarket-competitive prices in under 30 minutes
delivery services
Quick delivery services YallaHub, WEE Marketplace join forces to launch fastest 1-hour shipment in UAE
The two will launch their new partnership model first in Dubai, enabling consumers in the city to order goods with delivery within an hour
cargo shipments
FedEx announces new priority delivery to UAE, Saudi customers
Customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can have goods delivered in less than 3 days with FedEx’s new International Priority service
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi announces new project for delivery riders
The ‘Delivery Riders Hub’ will be implemented in September this year
delivery
Dubai Taxi deploys 600 motorbikes to support deliveries
Dubai Taxi Corporation announces 600 motorbike fleet to support delivery sector
Abu Dhabi
Deliveroo announces air-conditioned buses for riders
During the summer, Deliveroo riders will also be scheduled to not work over two hours during midday peak hours
AED1 per minute delay
Careem goes to war with Talabat, slams delivery giant for rider safety, pay, working conditions
“Just a year ago most of Talabat’s riders walked off the job in a dispute over bad working conditions and poor pay, not a single Careem Captain stopped riding,” said Careem’s GM of Food, Alex Golden