Bolt, one of the leading international ride-hailing platforms present currently in over 600 cities across 50 countries, launched its UAE operations recently. The launch of the e-hailing platform coincides with UAE’s Eid Al Etihad, marking the nation’s commitment to progress, unity, and providing world-class services to its residents and visitors.
Launching on this landmark day reinforces Bolt’s dedication to aligning with the UAE’s vision of progress and technological advancement, ensuring that the country continues to offer premium and sustainable services in all sectors, including transportation.
“Launching Bolt in the UAE on such a momentous occasion as the 53rd National Day is a testament to our commitment to the country’s vision of progress and innovation. It marks another milestone for the company as it expands across the Middle East after successfully establishing its presence in Saudi Arabia and Egypt,” stated Eduard Suchánek, regional manager of Middle East & North Africa.
Dubai’s transition to e-hailing
Bolt’s debut into the UAE market supports the Dubai government’s directives to transition 80 percent of taxi trips to e-hailing in the coming years. Using the Bolt app, consumers can easily book rides, track their driver, and make payments through their smartphones.
Bolt’s core offering aims to meet the various needs of both residents and visitors. Initially, users will have access to Bolt standard rides, Bolt XL for bigger groups, and Bolt Premium for premium rides. This initial offering will also expand with taxi services in the next stage, enhancing its diverse and accessible mobility ecosystem.
Supporting urban development
Bolt is on a mission to help people give up their vehicles and start using shared mobility more. This will help tackle issues such as congestion, traffic, and air pollution. Moreover, it will redefine the public space by reducing car-centric infrastructure. The platform envisions becoming an integral part of the UAE’s urban transport network, offering seamless connectivity and sustainable solutions.
“Dubai has always experienced an influx of visitors creating an unprecedented demand for transportation. Bolt’s arrival adds a valuable choice for our community, ensuring that getting around UAE is easier and more accessible than ever through cross-functional mobility that integrates cars, taxis, micro-mobility solutions, and more,” stated Mansoor Alfalasi, CEO, Dubai Taxi Company.
The initial fleet will consist of limousines listed by reputed fleet partners on the Bolt platform including DTC vehicles. The fleet will meet Dubai’s rising demand by offering affordable and luxury transport options.
“Bolt’s mission to help build cities for people, not cars, is at the center of everything we do. For decades, cities have been built for cars, not people, leading to unsustainable traffic, and pollution and creating more parking spaces instead of parks. We are thrilled to bring in our innovative customer-centric approach to the region with transparent pricing, reduced wait times, and a high level of app safety features,” added Suchánek.
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Expansion plans
Alfalasi added that the next phase of expansion will include the introduction of taxi services on the app, creating a versatile and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Dubai. “The vision is to ultimately explore the potential of expanding to other emirates and across varied verticals which include delivery services, e-scooters, and car rentals in the near future, he added.
Bolt reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure experience for riders and drivers alike. All drivers undergo rigorous background checks and training to deliver professional and reliable services. Additionally, the app incorporates advanced safety features, including in-app emergency assistance, trip anomaly detection, trip sharing, driver/rider unmatching, speech-to-text, and incident reporting, among others.
