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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.
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
Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
Also Read: Wi-Fi 7, The Next Generation Of Wireless Internet, Is Here
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.