Careem sets out first bike docking stations ahead of Dubai roll-out

About 3,500 rides will be made available for rent

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 08 JANUARY 2020. One of the newly installed Careem Bike stations in The Greens. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Patrick Ryan. Section: National.
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Dubai residents will soon be able to rent bicycles via their smartphone - after docking stations were spotted across the city.

Green docking stations with the Careem logo can now be found in locations including Media City, The Greens and near Marina Mall.

In November, the Roads and Transports Authority said it was teaming up with Careem to operate 3,500 bikes across the emirate from 350 stations.

Several docking stations have been set up with empty berths for bicycles along with information on the kiosks about the rental scheme.

Users will be able to unlock the bicycles by typing in a code to release them from the docking station.

In November, the RTA said the project was designed to encourage residents, tourists and cycling amateurs to cycle.

“We have signed a contract with Careem whereby [it] will operate 3,500 bicycles across 350 smart docking stations in Dubai,” the RTA said.

In the first phase of the project, lasting two years, Careem will operate 1,750 bikes and install 175 solar-powered docking stations.

Over the next five years, the number of bikes will grow to 3,500 in total, with an additional 175 docking stations added to the network.

The National contacted Careem and the RTA for comment.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 08 JANUARY 2020. One of the newly installed Careem Bike stations in The Greens. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Patrick Ryan. Section: National.
Careem will eventually have 3,500 bikes in stations dotted around the city. Antonie Robertson / The National