Careem marks Pakistan as largest ride-hailer

In the absence of quality mass transportation services, Pakistan has come out on top as the biggest user of ride hailing service Careem, as the company announced its landmark one billion rides breakdown. The one billion ride record is stretched across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, based on trips, driven over nine billion kilometres across more than 80 cities over ten years. The countries with the highest number of rides recorded are Pakistan at 299 million – with a population of around 214 million, Saudi Arabia’s rides were recorded at 242 million – with a population of 35.34 million, and Egypt at 230 million – with a population of 104.3million. Speaking to the Express Tribune, startup Investment Specialist Kapeel Kumar said, “Ride-hailing apps have become an important travel alternative in many cities across the globe. In the same way, Pakistan’s increased digital consumption has also fuelled exponential growth of the phenomenon in the country.” “Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has witnessed tumultuous times with fundraising announcements coming in tandem with announcements of downsizing and the closing of operations.