When it comes to ride-hailing services, Careem and Uber are the two major providers in Dubai. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a Careem or Uber driver in Dubai.
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Get your Licenses sorted
To begin with, you must possess a valid driving license of UAE. In case you have one, you will have to go to the Roads and Transport Authority office and begin the process of issuing a permit for limousine service. One important thing to note is that Careem and Uber Services are considered premium services and not normal taxi services. Hence permits for the same are separately issued. The cost for these permits is usually in the range of 2500 to 3500 AED (approximately ₹55000 to ₹77000).
In the event of not possessing a valid driving license, you will have to open your file in a driving school for the same. The cost of getting a driver’s license in the UAE ranges from anywhere between 7000 AED to 10,000 AED. However, it is important to note that this number may be higher or lower depending on the number of test attempts you take.
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Getting Your Visa Sorted
As per the laws of the country, one has to do the work which is mentioned on his residence visa. Thus you will have to get a visa that allows you to operate a limousine through Uber or Careem. One can obtain this visa through either of the below-mentioned ways.
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- Setup your own limousine service – This is for the ones who are willing to invest a relatively large capital. It’s also for those who want to keep drivers on their payroll. This process involves buying your own car. Usually, people end up investing in a Lexus ES300h due to its relatively easy maintenance and good fuel efficiency. However, you can also buy something from Audi or BMW if your budget permits. People with this setup usually get 2 Visas. Out of these, they sell one to someone who’s looking to earn without investing a lot of money upfront. The usual cost involved in this ranges from 70,000 AED to 150,000 AED depending on whether you buy the car on finance or outrightly purchase it.
- Buy a visa from someone– As mentioned above, some people who have invested a relatively large amount of money usually have multiple visa slots which people can buy. The cost for this visa ranges between 7000 AED to 10000 AED which varies from one limousine provider to the other. This includes the cost of the medical examination and getting the Emirates ID. This method is best suited for someone who does not want to invest a lot upfront and just wants to work.
Those without a driver’s license can buy a visa and get a NOC from the limo company and take their driving lessons. This is especially beneficial for those who have newly entered the country and are looking for employment opportunities.
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Further steps
Upon sorting out the requisite licenses and getting the limousine profession visa, registration with Uber and Careem will have to be done. This has to be done physically by visiting the Careem or Uber office. Once the registration is done, a device will be linked to Uber or Careem data servers which will allot the rides to the drivers. There is no such no rule which prevents one from registering with only one of these two companies. A driver can register with both Careem and Uber at the same time.
Earning Potential
In terms of earning potential, people who have their own limousine companies can expect monthly earnings in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 AED per car in peak tourist months. However, overheads such as maintenance and fuel expenses will also have to be accounted for. Drivers employed by these companies can look to earn in either of the following ways
- They can either be on the payrolls of the limousine company and work like a conventional taxi driver albeit with a slightly better salary. Average earning through this way is roughly around 3000 AED but it may vary from company to company. What also may vary is that some companies may provide accommodation while others may not.
- Another way of earning is by working on a commission basis. Through this drivers usually end up earning up to 30-35% of the ride’s invoice value. In other words, if a driver earns 1000 AED in a single shift, he will earn 300-350 AED. On the whole, such drivers end up earning anywhere between 6000-7000 AED in peak tourist season. This number reduces during the summer months when the influx of tourists is very less.
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True, COVID brought things to a standstill till the start of this year. However, the time now is ripe to become a Careem or Uber driver in Dubai. Without tourism slowing gathering pace and reaching pre-pandemic levels, people in the sector can not only breathe a sigh of relief but also look to earn a decent amount of money.
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