Careem denies halting services, says temporary technical problem

CAIRO – 22 March 2018: The popular ride-sharing company Careem denied in an official statement the halting of its mobile application, explaining that it was a temporary technical error that will be solved as soon as possible.

Careem affirmed that it will continue to offer its services as usual. This controversy only rose up due to the timing of the technical problem, as it took place in conjunction with a lawsuit demanding that the company halts its services. However, an appeal was announced to be issued, and a regulating law is awaited to be issued soon by the government.

Earlier on Thursday, Careem issued another statement saying that it will follow the requisite judicial procedures as it has full confidence in the Egyptian judiciary system. In the statement, Careem thanked its customers and captains for their continued loyalty.

A court ruling, issued this week to suspend the services of Uber and Careem in Egypt due to the use of unlicensed cars, has stirred uproar among social media users, with many expressing their unhappiness with the halt of the ride-sharing services.

"We have full confidence in the Egyptian judicial system. We are currently investigating the details of the Egyptian Administrative Court ruling regarding the licensing of the ride-sharing industry," read the statement.

The company also defended the legality of their operations in Egypt saying:
"Over the last three years, the Government of Egypt, in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Transportation, started to consult and work with all stakeholders, including Careem and other ride-hailing companies, to develop the best legislative practice and regulatory framework for ride-hailing services in Egypt. This resulted in a draft law on ride-hailing apps that was submitted to the Egyptian Parliament.

Over that period, the combined efforts of Careem and the Government of Egypt have successfully created more than 100,000 job opportunities for Egyptians; Careem has also invested more than $25 million in infrastructure, established its global call center in Cairo and enabled the provision of affordable on-demand transportation services in 14 cities across Egypt.

Careem will continue to work hand-in-hand with its partner, the Government of Egypt. Should any verdict be reached against the ride-hailing industry, we will follow the requisite judicial procedures available under the Egyptian Law. For now, we will continue to serve Egyptians as usual."