It would be an understatement to say that the UAE’s transportation system has undergone world-class tech advancements recently. Of course, all of this stemmed from a need for smooth mobility. No wonder rideshare services like Careem have seen demand rise by the day. 

Just take a look at the data: In 2024 alone, Careem completed more than 90 million rideshare trips. Despite its rapid growth, the industry must prioritize rider safety. Above all, riders themselves need to maintain vigilance for safer rides. 

How to do that? It requires only a few small, proactive habits. This article will share three smart practices every UAE commuter should adopt for a safe ride with Careem. 

Verify the Driver and the Vehicle Before the Ride 

Don’t even start your ride without confirming the vehicle and driver details. This becomes crucial in light of a survey that found that 62% of UAE motorists reported longer commute times in the past six months. This represents a 6% rise from the previous survey cycle.

Such a busy environment calls for checking the driver’s name, photo, and the vehicle’s license plate number against the info on the app. If something doesn’t align, cancel the trip immediately and report it through the app. 

Now, the article focuses on Careem, but it's worth noting that Uber now owns Careem. This gives the latter platform access to global ridesharing expertise. At the same time, there are downsides to consider. International incidents, such as the Uber sexual assault lawsuit in the US, have highlighted the importance of driver and vehicle verification. 

As per TorHoerman Law, it has been alleged that Uber failed to vet drivers properly or even respond to reports of misconduct. While such incidents are rare in the UAE, it’s still critical to verify who’s behind the wheel. Beyond matching numbers and names, here are some additional habits that strengthen safety:

• Check the driver’s rating and any recent feedback. 

• Confirm your name by asking the driver, rather than revealing it yourself. 

• Assess the interiors of the car to check if it is clean. Also, gauge the driver’s attitude to see if they’re calm or agitated. 

Share Your Trip Details With a Trusted Contact 

One safe and effective habit to build into your journeys is to share your trip with loved ones. It may be a work-related commute across Dubai or a solo trip in Abu Dhabi. Informing a trusted contact adds a layer of security that technology cannot replace. 

Now, Careem makes this process simpler through built-in app features. It just takes a few seconds to share your ride in real-time. With a few taps, details like the driver’s name, vehicle license plate, and the live route link can be shared. 

A recent report has highlighted the importance that UAE residents place on ride safety. 80% stated that safety was a top priority, and 45% even wanted to learn defensive driving. The strong local sentiments should reflect in how you use in-app safety features. Here's how to make the most of them: 

• Use the ‘Share Trip’ option at the start of every ride without fail. 

• Choose someone reliable to note route changes or arrival delays. 

• Make sure your phone’s battery is sufficiently charged, or else it may affect both tracking and communication. 

• Let your contact know via a quick message that you’ve arrived safely. 

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings 

Yes, your rideshare route will be tracked by the app. However, you have no reason to assume that this alone makes the journey safe. Although technology can provide comfort, your own awareness is what makes the difference. 

Put differently, maintain control over your ride by paying attention to your surroundings. Up to 747.1 million people used shared mobility services and public transportation in 2024. This number represented a 6.4% increase over the previous year. Are you seeing the sheer number of people relying on rideshare and related services in the UAE?

With such volume, being alert matters more than you may realize. Let's look at the practical ways to stay aware: 

• Keep an eye on the route ahead by having the live map open. If you find that the vehicle took an unexpected turn, ask about it calmly. 

• If you're traveling alone, especially at night, choose the back seat on the passenger side. This will offer more space and better exit options. 

• Be intentional and limit distractions, mainly those coming from your smartphone. Occasionally glance at the landmarks, traffic flow, etc. 

• You can be friendly with the driver, but don’t share personal stories with them. You’d be surprised to learn that there are certain polite habits that drivers dislike, even if they seem congenial.

The UAE still stands as a worldwide leader in smart mobility, where innovation and safety go hand in hand. What has helped the nation redefine modern commuting are strict regulations and responsive ridesharing platforms. 

Still, the true success of such systems depends on people who stay aware and responsible. Embrace the simple safety habits we just discussed and contribute to the existing culture of trust. That’s how riders like yourself can do your part in reflecting the UAE’s broader vision of building connected cities that move forward safely.