News

Hala Gives Drivers A Digital Wallet For Faster Tips & Bonuses

The Careem Pay digital wallet will help 17,000 drivers to fast-track tips, bonuses, and guarantees by the end of July.

Published

10 months ago

July 5, 2023

Nour Nasir

Hala

Hala, Dubai’s e-hailing platform launched in 2019, now accounts for over 30% of total taxi trips, with users booking their journeys directly from the Careem app.

Now, the company’s drivers will also benefit from Careem Pay, with a new feature allowing them to expedite more frequent payments of their tips and bonuses. The digital wallet will be gradually rolled out to every Hala Captain (driver), with over 17,000 benefiting from twice-weekly payments by the end of July.

Careem integration allows easier management of expenses, a simple way to recharge mobile plans, and enables drivers to transfer money directly to any bank account within the app in a single click or screen tap. In addition, as 70% of Hala’s drivers are of Pakistani origin, they will also benefit from improved exchange rates when sending money back to Pakistani-based bank accounts.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

“At Hala, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our captains as we work to build a people-first culture. We have thus decided to launch this initiative for captains to be able to receive remuneration more frequently and with ease,” explained Khaled Nuseibeh, Chief Executive Officer at Hala, adding: “We are working with our partners to expand the remit further to ensure we are catering to everyone equally”.

As Dubai’s plans to modernize and improve its transport infrastructure continue at breakneck speed, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) recently unveiled a plan to phase out conventional street-hailing of taxis in favor of e-hailing services — a move that’s sure to improve Hala’s fortunes over the coming years.

News

NEOM Announces Breathtaking Luxury Waterfront Development

The residential community will offer a wealth of living, dining, and entertainment options, along with a stunning marina and international school.

Published

5 days ago

May 10, 2024

Nour Nasir

NEOM

The board of Saudi Arabia’s special economic zone, NEOM, has revealed plans for a new development named Jaumur. The project will see the creation of a “cosmopolitan luxury community” nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.

According to a recent press release, the luxury residential community will “serve the highest standards of future livability and active lifestyle [offering] a unique blend of experiences on both land and sea, complementing NEOM’s evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia”.

Jaumur will include 500 apartments and 700 luxury villas clustered around a marina that will become home to 6,000 lucky residents. The location will offer private moorings and easy waterfront access, along with a selection of upscale hotels with a combined capacity of 350 suites.

neom jaumur project

The marina itself is a dramatic focal point of the development, featuring a colossal 1.5km covered mooring area in the shape of an aerofoil. The cantilevered structure not only forms a breathtaking landmark but will also be able to shelter the world’s largest superyachts.

The marina promenade promises to be a lively, vibrant area featuring a host of entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences, along with upscale retail stores and world-class restaurants.

Also Read: Dubai Gives Go Ahead For $35 Billion Al Maktoum Airport Expansion

Although Jaumur is very much a place for sophisticated living and relaxation, the development will also incorporate a “state-of-the-art deep-sea research center and top-tier international boarding school”. Planners hope to attract world-leading oceanographic researchers as well as elite students to this unique location.

We’ll leave the final words about this exciting development to NEOM’s press department: “Jaumur’s unique architectural design integrates water where golden sands meet the deep blue of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is a luxury destination to visit, explore, live, and prosper: an opportunity to become part of a dynamic community”.