Business & Money | Monday 15 June, 2015 3:36 pm |

Uber, the smartphone technology company, announced that it has partnered with KSA-based taxi service, London Cab. The partnership is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, gives Uber customers in Riyadh another safe and seamless transportation option, in addition to its already-existent UberX, UberBlack and UberLux services.
Commenting on the announcement, which took place at The Four Seasons in Riyadh, Sheikh Nasser Al Kahtani, President, Ujra Holding, said: “Uber is a rapidly-developing company, and has used its technology to radically improve transportation access for millions of people around the world. In Riyadh, evidence of this can be seen in the plethora of convenient transportation options it already offers residents and visitors alike. We are excited by this partnership and we will be able to make the city a safer, more vibrant and viable place to live.”
Saudi Uber riders are amongst the most frequent riders in the world, and the London Cab option gives them one more option to book a car via the smartphone technology. London Cab taxis are designed to resemble the iconic English capitals’ black cabs and are particularly popular with women in the Kingdom. Unlike other locally-based options, the taxis are specifically designed with passenger privacy in mind: a compartment separates the drivers from the passengers, with an intercom available if any interaction is required. The taxis can seat up to five passengers, are wheelchair accessible and are better-equipped than other providers to take on oversized luggage.
London Cab- like all services on the Uber platform- is completely cashless, enabling users to book and pay directly through the Uber app. Users simply select the in-app LondonCab option, and their card is then charged automatically.
“As the global leader in urban transportation, it is part of our continuing mission to change the way people work, live and move around,” said Uber’s KSA General Manager Majed Abukhater. “The Kingdom has proven to be a big fan of our service, and the partnership represents yet another convenient and affordable option for residents to seamless move from point A to B.”
Earlier this week, the company also announced the start of its services in Dammam- its third city in the Kingdom after Riyadh and Jeddah, and its tenth in the Middle East.
In addition to its services in Saudi Arabia, Uber is currently available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Amman, Beirut and Cairo.