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If one app could drive you home, deliver your dinner, and pay your bills, would you believe it?
Well, that’s true. Welcome to the Careem app, which was once a simple taxi app, now dominating as a super app in UAE. Ten years ago, people thought a ride-hailing app was enough. But now Careem, a super app in UAE, offering rides, food delivery, payments, and even courier services via one single platform. It’s the blueprint everyone wants to follow.
For startups, it’s both inspiring and intimidating. They’re asking a real question – can we also build an app like Careem in UAE, or is there room for anyone else in this market? So, yes. Because the UAE lives and breathes digital mobility. Between 2023–2025, the use of ride-hailing apps and digital payments is breaking records. Users adapt faster than brands. If Careem can grow from a taxi app to a super app, why can’t yours.
This blog is your roadmap to learn how Careem app works, what’s the cost to build an app like Careem, and how to build an app like Careem that doesn’t just compete but stands tall beside giants.
Suggested Read: Develop an App Like Hala Taxi: Key Features, Costs, & Development Insights
Founded in 2012 by Abdullah Elyas, Magnus Olsson, and Mudassir Sheikha, Careem is one of the biggest names in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA). Initially, it started as a ride-hailing app. Today, Careem is a super app offering:
Careem is a one-stop platform for millions of users in the UAE and beyond. Its local approach set it apart. It understood cultural preferences, accepted cash where digital payments were new, and emphasized safety and reliability in regions where public transport wasn’t always dependable.
This strategy helped it grow rapidly, now reaching over 50 million users in 2025, operating in more than 100 cities.
Uber recognized its potential and acquired Careem. Today, Careem continues to dominate the ride-hailing app market in UAE and beyond, acting as a blueprint for anyone looking to build an app like Careem.
If you’ve been watching the UAE market, you’ve noticed one thing that users don’t want separate apps anymore. One for rides, one for food, one for payments. They want it all in one place.
Careem super app, started as a taxi service, sure, but now it’s this giant ecosystem that covers rides, food delivery, digital payments, courier services, basically anything you can think of in the on-demand world. And yes, it works really well. Careem app…
Businesses are noticing this appeal. Building a super app like Careem in UAE or a single service-focused ride-hailing app like Careem isn’t just a flashy idea. It’s a survival tactic. Why? Because people love convenience. They love options. And they love being able to pay in ways they trust (cash, cards, digital wallets, sometimes all at once). So naturally, every business wants to build a similar app like Careem to grab a piece of that attention, that loyalty.
And it’s not about copying. It’s about creating something that fits your market. Your local culture, payment habits, and even traffic chaos. That’s why mobile app development companies in UAE are seeing a spike in requests for AI-integrated apps, in-app payments integration, and on-demand delivery app development. Some go big with AI in on-demand delivery apps, predicting orders, optimizing routes, while others focus on making sure a ride or a meal shows up when promised.
Since users stick to apps that save time, feel secure, and give options, so entrepreneurs and enterprises alike are eager to invest in super app development. Because when you build an app like Careem, you’re not just offering multiple services; you’re building an ecosystem people rely on daily.
The UAE, Kuwait, and the broader MENASA region are fertile ground. If Careem could turn a taxi app into a Careem ride-hailing app empire, the sky’s literally the limit for your own Careem app ambitions.
So, you’ve decided to build an app like Careem in UAE. It’s exciting, but yes, complex also. Don’t worry, because if you follow the right steps (and get a solid mobile app development company), it’s totally doable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
First, understand the market. UAE users are picky (in a good way). They want speed, reliability, and convenience, but they also expect localized touches, like cash payments where cards aren’t popular, Arabic and English interfaces, and maybe even AI-powered recommendations for rides or food.
So analyze these factors…
Next, define your app’s core features. A super app like Careem doesn’t just offer ride-hailing services.
And yes, you’ll want the AI integration, like route optimization, predictive demand, and faster delivery times.
This part is crucial. The wrong tech or inexperienced team = disaster.
You’re planning to build an app like Careem, you’ll need a tech partner who actually gets how complex these things are. Your development team must have experience in developing large-scale, multi-service applications with AI-powered personalization, scalable cloud infrastructure, and seamless third-party integrations.
Here’s where Techugo, as a leading super app development company in UAE, comes in to turn concepts into scalable apps. Techugo team helps with:
Basically, Techugo helps you take a messy, complex concept and make it feel simple and effortless for your users.
Note: Most founders overlook, but outsourcing to an experienced mobile app development company in UAE can significantly reduce your Careem-like ride-hailing app development cost while still keeping the quality high.
After that, it’s about UI/UX design.
The easier it is to use, the faster users adopt it.
Then, build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – a simple version of an app with only essential features. Then, test an app in the market, gather feedback, and iterate. Now, gradually scale features based on user behavior and demand.
Now comes quality testing and assurance, which is essential for a smooth, bug-free experience. Do functional testing to validate features. Do security testing to protect user data and transactions. Do performance testing to handle high traffic.
Finally, don’t forget the growth strategy. Marketing, partnerships, and incentives matter just as much as the app itself. A Careem super app thrives because users feel convenience, trust, and value. Your app should do the same, but maybe even better.
Collaborate with local restaurants, businesses, and service providers to help you market your app, and expand its reach. Do SEO and ASO (App Store Optimization) to better rank your app in searches and get organic downloads. This is crucial as being excellent is not enough if it can’t reach your audience.
And keep in mind, the cost to build a ride-hailing app like Careem (single-service) and the cost to build an app like Careem super app, both vary based on features, integrations, AI integration, and complexity. But smart planning and the Techugo team can optimize both budget and timeline.
Careem ride-hailing app started as a taxi app but quickly grew into a super app, offering more than just rides. Now it caters to multiple needs. A super app like Careem is basically an all-in-one lifestyle companion (sometimes feels like it knows you better than you do). If you’re thinking to build an app like Careem in UAE, these features give life to your app…and yes, they also influence the app development cost. Let’s explore the features –
Getting users onboard should be…easy, like really easy. Sign up via email, phone, or Google/Facebook, whatever they prefer. Once inside, they should manage everything: personal details, payment methods, and activity tracking.
The magic of a super app lies in offering multiple services because users don’t want to jump from app to app. And this variety of services drives engagement for your Careem ride-hailing app or Careem food app. So, your platform should have it all.
If you want users from different regions to actually use your ride-hailing app like Careem, multiple languages are a must. Arabic, English, maybe even Hindi or Urdu. It’s all about accessibility (and engagement).
Push notifications keep users in the loop, or annoy them, if overdone. But if done right, it’s gold. They keep users informed about ride status, order progress, offers, or payment confirmations, so nothing gets missed.
Artificial intelligence can make your Careem ride-hailing app smarter without being obvious. It’s behind the scenes, doing stuff users barely notice but totally appreciate.
Basically, the app learns what users want, sometimes before they even realize it.
You can hyper-personalize the user experience by examining user preferences, past activity, and location data. Suppose a customer often books a particular ride, for instance, your super app suggests the same to the user automatically with better pricing and offers.
No matter if it’s a ride or a food delivery, users expect to know where things are. And quickly. GPS helps riders and drivers find the best routes, reduce delays, and avoid chaos, especially in traffic-heavy cities like Dubai. And users can track the rider, delivery agent, and predict arrival timings.
No need to say that 24/7 support is non-negotiable in a ride-hailing app like Careem. Chatbots handle basic FAQs and queries instantly (because nobody likes waiting), and for tackling complex issues, they refer to human agents. Users feel cared for, and that ultimately boosts trust and customer satisfaction.
Payments must be smooth, fast, and secure. Users don’t want hurdles. They just want to pay and move on.
Your Careem-like ride-hailing app should also integrate mobile wallets, UPI, and even COD (cash-on-delivery) payment methods.
Since honest feedback is gold, ratings & reviews feature is a must. It allows users to rate rides, food deliveries, or any service to help new users. Their ratings & reviews help the business improve services, identify problems, and gain trust from new users.
A super app like Careem thrives because it blends rides, food, payments, and AI into one seamless ecosystem. Build it thoughtfully, and users won’t leave…for sure.
Everytime, it’s not enough just to pack in features, what really counts is smart execution, analytics, and AI integration. Working with an experienced on-demand app development company like Techugo ensures your Careem-inspired app doesn’t just work flawlessly, it gets loved by users and starts earning from day one.
Now, let’s talk about the million-dollar question.
Building an app like Careem is not a one-size-fits-all project. The cost depends on multiple factors, like features, platform choice, tech stack, design complexity, and the region of your app development partner.
Here’s a cost breakdown to give you a fair idea:
| App Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (AED) | Timeline |
| Basic Ride-Hailing App | $30,000 – $50,000 | AED 110,000 – AED 185,000 | 3–6 months |
| Mid-Level Super App (Ride + Food + Delivery) | $60,000 – $120,000 | AED 220,000 – AED 440,000 | 6–9 months |
| Full-Scale Super App Like Careem | $150,000 – $300,000+ | AED 550,000 – AED 1,100,000+ | 9–15 months |
Pro tip: Instead of building everything from day one, many startups begin with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), focusing only on core features – say, just ride booking and in-app payments. Once they get traction, they expand into a full-fledged super app. This can cut initial costs by up to 40%.
If you’re planning to build your own Careem-style app, the smart move is to partner with Techugo, the most trusted mobile app development company in UAE, experienced in building super apps. Techugo helps brands across the UAE, KSA, Dubai, and beyond bring scalable ride-hailing and delivery platforms to life.
Knowing the cost to build an app like Careem in UAE, is just the surface level. What really matters, or what defines success, is how you turn that investment into steady, scalable revenue. So making the app profitable is the actual thing.
These are a few tried-and-tested business models for super app monetization that have worked globally, and more importantly, in the UAE market.
This is the backbone of super app monetization, especially for platforms like Careem, Talabat, or Uber. The idea’s simple but effective, your app charges a small commission on every transaction made through the platform.
For example, in ride-hailing or food delivery, drivers or restaurants share a percentage of their revenue with the platform. Simple. It’s predictable, scalable, and ensures you earn every time a service is used.
Where it fits:
Why it works:
Subscription-based revenue is growing fast across the GCC, and Careem Plus is a perfect example. Users pay a monthly or annual fee to unlock extra perks, such as – priority rides, free delivery, or exclusive deals.
It’s a recurring revenue stream, meaning your earnings are consistent. Even if usage dips temporarily, subscriptions keep your cash flow stable.
Best for:
In short, in a region like the UAE, where convenience is currency, users are absolutely willing to pay for a little extra comfort.
Now here’s where AI-powered personalization takes the spotlight. Your super app can integrate targeted ads, sponsored listings, and brand promotions based on user data. Done right, it feels less like advertising, and more like a curated experience.
You can partner with local brands, delivery partners, or even real estate and retail businesses to promote within your app. These collaborations open up new revenue streams without compromising the user experience.
How it helps:
AI-driven ad placements can also boost CTRs (Click-Through Rates) dramatically by showing users the right offer at the right moment.
If your app supports in-app payments, mobile wallets, or BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later), you can monetize every transaction. A small processing fee on wallet top-ups or peer-to-peer payments might seem minor, but scaled across thousands of users, it becomes substantial revenue.
Plus, a digital wallet increases user stickiness. People tend to keep coming back to apps where their balance or loyalty rewards are stored.
Don’t forget enterprise and corporate services. Many super apps in UAE now collaborate with companies to handle employee rides, bulk deliveries, or logistics. This B2B monetization model brings in larger, more consistent contracts, which is ideal for long-term growth.
Pro Tip: Super apps that diversify their monetization streams (mixing subscriptions, commissions, and ads) see up to 60% higher ROI within the first year of launch.
If you’re planning your own Careem-style super app, partner with a top on-demand app development company in UAE. Here, Techugo stands out because its team well understands both the tech and the market psychology behind monetization. Book a free consultation.
Careem started as a ride-hailing app but has grown into a super app later. Now it offers multiple services like food delivery, digital payments, courier services, along with ride-hailing services. In the UAE and MENASA region, it now functions as an all-in-one platform, making it more than just a taxi app.
The Careem app connects users with drivers, restaurants, and service providers through a mobile interface. Users book rides, order food, or make payments seamlessly. It uses real-time GPS tracking, AI for route optimization, and in-app payments to ensure a fast, convenient, and safe experience.
Geolocation allows accurate tracking of rides, deliveries, and user locations for customers, riders, and service agents. For a ride-hailing app like Careem, it ensures timely pickups, efficient routing, and better driver allocation. It also powers features like nearby promotions, location-based recommendations, and real-time updates, enhancing user experience.
A basic ride-hailing app like Careem costs around $30,000–$50,000 (AED 110,000–185,000), while a full-featured super app may range from $150,000–$300,000+ (AED 550,000–1,100,000+). The cost depends on features, AI integration, design, platform choice, and scalability requirements.
Typically, a basic ride-hailing app takes 4–6 months. A complete super app like Careem, with food, payments, and delivery services, may take 9–12 months, depending on complexity, integrations, and testing cycles.
Yes. Many startups use a phased approach, starting with core ride-hailing features, then gradually adding services like food delivery, payments, or courier integration. This reduces upfront costs while allowing early market entry and user acquisition.
Common technologies include React Native or Flutter for mobile, Node.js or Python for backend, and cloud solutions like AWS or Google Cloud. AI and analytics tools can be added for route optimization, personalized recommendations, and predictive pricing.
Your app can compete with Careem in UAE, if you focus on local market needs, better pricing, loyalty programs, and unique features like instant delivery or specialized services. Combining AI features with a smooth user experience and strong customer support can help your app stand out.
One should hire Techugo as a leading super app development company because they offer end-to-end expertise in super app development in UAE, including design, AI integration, payment gateways, and secure, scalable infrastructure. They help startups and enterprises launch apps that are user-friendly, reliable, and tailored to local market demands.
Absolutely, if you play it smart.
Because mobile-first consumers in the Middle East doubled in between 2023 and 2025, and they’re not slowing down. Users want groceries, medicines, rides, etc, quickly with one tap. That’s exactly the void super apps like Careem fill.
Building one, though, isn’t a “copy-and-launch” game. It’s about strategy, scalability, and a deep understanding of local markets. You need a product that feels local, runs global, and grows modularly, layer by layer, service by service.
And yes, the Careem app development cost in UAE can seem steep at first glance (somewhere around AED 165,000–918,000), but the ROI tells a different story. It pays off over time through subscriptions, commissions, partnerships, and pure user loyalty.
That’s where Techugo, an expert super app developer in UAE, steps in. With a proven record of building scalable, AI-powered, multi-service platforms, Techugo doesn’t just build apps, but ecosystems. Ones that engage, earn, and grow.
So, is it worth it? A thousand times, yes. Don’t wait. Book a call and consult with our experts.
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