Ride-hailing company Uber expands into Sharjah

UberSelect app, which is available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will be accessible in the emirate

Uber is weighing up a change to its business model in California to circumvent a new state law instructing it to treat drivers as employees. Bloomberg

Uber has said it is launching its ride-hailing service in Sharjah.

The announcement means the UberSelect app, which is already available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will be accessible in the emirate.

It also said that social distancing measures, frequent cleaning and the wearing of face masks would be mandatory.

“We’ve seen the benefits of rapid technology adoption and improved access to transportation in the region,” said Rifad Mahasneh, Uber’s general manager for the GCC and Levant.

“Covid-19 has presented unprecedented challenges, but as we work towards accelerating recovery we’re focusing on our strengths – offering safe, reliable and affordable mobility solutions and investing in securing the livelihoods of drivers by creating additional earning opportunities.

“The UAE is committed to driving urban mobility and leading smart cities of the future, and we believe we have an important role to play in facilitating this vision, advancing the mobility system and ultimately improving people’s quality of life.”

Drivers will also have to make hand sanitiser available to customers who use the app. It is also compulsory for passengers to sit in the back of the vehicle.

Passengers will also have the option to cancel a trip if the driver is not wearing a mask.

The service has been available in Dubai since 2013 and was relaunched in Abu Dhabi two years ago.