While there’s a lot you can love Dubai for, traffic is one thing that most residents complain about. However, this might soon be a thing of the past, with Careem bicycles. Careem has signed a new transport deal with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). As per the new deal, Careem plans to launch bicycle-sharing system across Dubai. So, in case you’re not in the mood to drive or board the metro, you can cycle your way to work, while staying fit. Sounds like a plan right?
What’s In It?
Careem- the cab hailing app recently signed a deal with the Dubai RTA. According to the deal, a new bike sharing system with 350 smart docking stations will be launched in the Dubai. The Careem bicycles will allow riders to hire and pay for cycles via the Careem’s Bike app.
During the testing phase, all Careem bicycles will be tracked in order to record high occupancy areas, and connect all cycles through GPS. To make the ride a smooth one for cyclists, solar-powered cycle tracks will be laid in various areas in the city including:
1. Dubai Marina2
2. Jumeirah
3. Dubai Water Canal
4. Deira
5. Al Khawaneej
6. Al Qudra
Cyclists can also cycle along Al Qusais, Al Mankhoul, Al Karama, and Al Barsha district areas. As part of the kick off, 1,750 bikes and over 175 stations will be operational during the first two years. The following five years will witness the addition of 3,500 bicycles across 350 smart docking stations.
Co-founder and CEO of Careem Mudassir Sheikha said: “Careem Bike offers mobility means to riders of buses, metro and tram in Dubai covering the first and last mile. Moreover, biking is a healthy practice that eases the congestion in the city and pro-motes healthy lifestyles.”
Meanwhile, did you know Dubai motorists can now renew their vehicle’s registration without clearing prior fines?
What Else?
While we await cycles to hit Dubai roads, Dubai Mall has a new attraction that lets you go karting inside the mall.
Dubai’s first indoor electric go-kart track- Ekart Zabeel is now inside the Dubai Mall. The electric track is open to beginners and professionals, giving them an ultimate karting experience. Helmets and jumpsuits are provided to ensure riders’ safety.
The sessions are priced at AED 95 for one session AED 175 for two. There are also packages for corporate events. However, in order to ride the kart, participants must be at least 14 years old, 140 centimetres tall and must weigh less than 120 kilograms. And, of course whether you’re an expert or a beginner, the race track is sure to provide you a good adrenaline rush and loads of fun.
And that’s not all! We also hear a mirror maze is soon coming to the mall. Much like the one in Dubai Dolphinarium, this one will also be a labyrinth of mirrors, arranged in a fashion to create optical illusion. The hoarding is already up and the pretty pink banner occupies a pretty vast area, so we’re guessing this one will worth the wait.
The exact dates for the launch are yet to be revealed, so watch this space for more info.