How to Build an App Like Careem in UAE?

Key Takeaways:

• The development process of Careem-like apps involves market research, feature planning, design, development, testing, and continuous updates.

• Choosing the right tech stack ensures scalability, security, and high performance as user demand grows.

• The cost to create an app like Careem ranges from AED 90,000 to AED 900,000+, depending on features, complexity, and platform scale.

• Super apps generate revenue through multiple monetization models, including commissions, subscriptions, in-app ads, and transaction fees.

• Regulatory approvals and RTA compliance are critical success factors for ride-hailing and super apps in the UAE.

The UAE is becoming a smart hub, and the people here rely on mobile apps for travel, food delivery, and daily needs. This makes digital platforms a key part of modern business growth. For businesses planning to expand in this space, the idea to build an app like Careem in UAE presents a high-potential opportunity.

Careem has set a strong example by offering multiple services through one simple and reliable app. Its success shows how businesses can solve real user problems while building a scalable digital platform.

However, creating a similar solution is not about copying features. It requires a deep understanding of local users, payment systems, and UAE regulations.

With high smartphone usage and strong digital trust, the UAE is the right market for such platforms. 

If you are planning to grab the opportunity, read this blog for details on how to make an app like Careem, features to include, and much more.

Why Apps Like Careem are Popular in the UAE?

Apps like Careem have gained high popularity in the MENA and South Asia regions, with a total download of over 50 million on the Play Store. Let’s discuss what else makes such apps popular.

1. Matches UAE’s Lifestyle

Careem is popular in the UAE because it matches the country's fast-paced, digital lifestyle. Residents prefer quick, reliable, and app-based services that save time and reduce effort.

2. Multiple Services in One App

From booking rides to ordering food, everything can be done in just a few taps, which fits well with their daily life. This convenience makes life easier and keeps users engaged with a single platform.

3. Strong Government Support

The UAE government actively supports digital solutions under the UAE Vision 2030. Smart mobility, cashless payments, and connected services are key focus areas that help apps like Careem grow faster.

4. High Smartphone & Internet Usage

The UAE has high smartphone usage and strong internet connectivity. However, such an increase in mobile use tends to increase demand to build a super app for future success.

Moreover, if you want a business with such high demand, read the next section. We will discuss the reasons to invest in such opportunities.

Reasons to Invest in an App Like Careem

Investing in apps like Careem makes strong business sense in the UAE’s on-demand economy. Below, we are discussing some reasons to invest in such a business model.

Reason 1: Multiple Revenue Streams

One major reason for choosing to create an app like Careem in UAE is access to multiple income sources. Businesses can earn through commissions, service fees, subscriptions, in-app ads, and partner listings.

However, this diversified revenue model reduces the risk and ensures stable cash flow. Moreover, the options to generate income from several channels make the business model more secure and profitable.

Reason 2: Strong Investor Confidence

Careem's scalable business model is another strong reason to develop a super app like Careem in UAE. The platform has attracted significant investor confidence.

However, the company received an investment of AED 1469 million ($400 million) from e&, validating its multi-service approach. This funding shows how a platform can secure financial backing to accelerate growth.

Reason 3: Higher User Engagement

Apps that offer multiple services in one place naturally attract higher user engagement. According to a source, Careem is successfully serving 50 million + customers across 80+ cities.

When users can book rides, order food, groceries, and make payments through a single app, they tend to return more often. Hence, this frequent usage builds trust, increases loyalty, and helps maintain long-term customer relationships.

Reason 4: Strong Market Demand

The UAE has a strong demand for on-demand and mobile-first services. High smartphone usage, reliable internet access, and trust in digital payments make the market ideal for super apps.

However, customers prefer to use Careem to make payments conveniently. Moreover, the UAE’s mobile payments market size is expected to reach AED 549.3 billion (USD 149.57 billion) by 2031, showing increased demand for mobile-based services.

Essential Features to Have in an App Like Careem

There is a list of essential mobile app features to consider when you develop an app like Careem. Here we are discussing the most important ones.

1. Profile Management

Profile management lets users register, log in, and manage their personal details easily. Users can update contact information, payment preferences, and service settings. For businesses, this feature helps store user data securely and deliver personalized services.

2. Live GPS Tracking

Live GPS tracking shows real-time location details for both riders and drivers. Users can track their ride status, estimated arrival time, and route on the map. This feature increases transparency, builds trust, and improves service reliability.

3. Payment & Wallet Integration

Secure payment and wallet integration allow users to pay using cards, digital wallets, or in-app balance. It ensures fast and safe transactions without manual effort. For businesses, this feature supports smooth payments and reduces cash handling.

4. Real-Time Notifications

Real-time notifications keep users informed about ride updates, order delays, booking confirmations, and promotional offers. These alerts improve communication and reduce confusion. For businesses, notifications help increase user engagement and keep customers connected with the app.

5. Analytics & Reporting

Analytics and reporting tools help businesses track app usage, service performance, and user behavior. These insights support better decision-making, service improvements, and growth planning. Data-driven reports help businesses optimize operations and increase efficiency.

6. Interactive Chatbots

Interactive chatbots provide quick support by answering common user questions instantly. AI-driven chatbots reduce the need for manual support and improve response time. This feature helps businesses offer 24/7 assistance while lowering manual support costs.

7. Multi-Language Support

Multi-language support makes the app accessible to users from different backgrounds. In a diverse market like the UAE, this feature improves usability and expands user reach. Businesses can attract more customers by offering services in multiple languages.

8. Discount Management

Discount management allows businesses to offer promo codes, cashback, and loyalty rewards. These offers encourage repeat usage and attract new users. For businesses, this feature helps drive sales, increase retention, and improve customer loyalty.

How to Create an App Like Careem Effectively?

You require a clear plan, the right technology, and a strong focus on user experience to develop a mobile app. These are essential when evaluating how to develop an app like Careem from idea to launch.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Market research helps you understand user needs, competition, and business goals before development begins. This step reduces risks and ensures your app solves real problems across multiple services.

► Target Audience

Identify who will use your super app and how. Analyze user behavior for services like payments, shopping, delivery, bookings, or daily utilities. Understanding whether you target individuals, businesses, or service providers helps shape relevant features and smooth user journeys.

► Revenue Streams

Understanding revenue streams is key to building a profitable Careem-like app. Common options include service commissions, subscriptions, premium listings, ads, and transaction fees. However, market research helps you select the right monetization model that balances earnings.

► Set KPIs

Define KPIs to measure super app success, such as active users, service usage rate, transaction volume, retention, and average session time. These metrics guide development decisions and help you track performance after launch for continuous improvement.

Step 2: Define Core Features

Core features determine how smoothly the app functions for users, partners, and admins. Clear feature planning avoids unnecessary complexity.

► User Panel

The user panel allows customers to book services, order food, make payments, and shop for groceries. However, it should be simple, fast, and reliable. Features like real-time tracking, multiple payment options, and ratings improve trust and user experience.

► Partner Panel

The partner panel is designed for drivers, captains, or service providers. It includes trip alerts, navigation, earnings tracking, and availability settings. A smooth partner app ensures driver satisfaction, faster ride acceptance, and better service quality across the platform.

► Admin Panel

The admin panel helps manage users, drivers, payments, pricing, and reports. It allows admins to monitor operations, handle disputes, manage commissions, and analyze performance. A strong admin dashboard ensures smooth control over the entire system.

Step 3: Plan Tech Stack

Choosing the right mobile app tech stack ensures higher performance, security, and scalability with growing users.

► Frontend

The frontend controls how seamlessly users interact with the app. Using modern frameworks like Flutter and React Native, you can build cross-platform apps. A responsive frontend improves app speed, reduces user drop-offs, and delivers a consistent experience.

► Backend

The backend manages database interactions, business logic, and server-side processes. A strong backend ensures reliable performance even during peak usage. You can prefer Java, Python, Go, Node.js, or other programming languages for seamless backend development.

► Integrations

Third-party integrations add powerful features like maps, payments, SMS, and notifications. APIs for GPS tracking, e-wallets, and analytics improve automation and accuracy. Proper integration planning helps avoid delays and ensures smooth system communication.

Step 4: UI/UX Design

UI/UX design focuses on making the app easy to use, visually appealing, and efficient for all users.

► Wireframing

Creating app wireframes provides a basic layout of screens and user flow. It helps visualize the app structure before development begins. This step reduces design errors, improves navigation clarity, and ensures important features are placed logically.

► Prototyping

Prototyping turns wireframes into interactive models. It allows testing of navigation, buttons, and user flow. App prototypes help gather early feedback, improve usability, and avoid costly changes during development.

► UI/UX Testing

The next step is to perform UI/UX testing to ensure the design works smoothly for real users. Testing helps identify confusing layouts, slow actions, or design gaps. A well-tested interface improves user satisfaction and reduces app negligence.

Step 5: App Development

Choosing legit mobile app development services helps turn designs and plans into a working application through structured practices.

► Build MVP

Building a Minimum Viable Product helps launch the app faster with essential features. An MVP allows you to test the market, collect user feedback, and improve the app gradually without a high initial investment.

► Implement Security

Mobile app security is critical for apps that handle payments and personal data. Features like secure login, encrypted data, and safe payment processing protect users and build trust in the platform.

► Use Agile Sprints

Agile sprints divide development into small phases. This approach allows faster progress, regular testing, and quick changes based on feedback. Agile development improves quality and keeps the project flexible.

Step 6: App Testing

To ensure the app works correctly under real-world conditions and delivers a reliable experience, you must focus on mobile app testing.

► Functional

Functional testing checks whether all features work as expected. It covers ride booking, payments, notifications, and account management. This testing ensures smooth user journeys and prevents feature failures after launch.

► Security & Compliance

Security testing protects the app from data leaks and cyber threats. Compliance testing ensures the app follows local transport, payment, and data protection rules. This step is essential for user trust and legal safety.

► Performance & Load

Performance testing checks how the app behaves under heavy traffic. Load testing ensures the app can handle many users at the same time without slowing down or crashing, especially during peak hours.

Step 7: Final Launch

The launch phase introduces your app to real users and sets the foundation for growth.

► Platform Deployment

Deployment includes publishing your app on the Play Store or submitting your app to the App Store. Proper configuration ensures app stability, security, and compliance with platform guidelines from day one.

► User Training

Training guides, tutorials, and onboarding screens help users and partners understand the app quickly. Good onboarding reduces confusion, support requests, and improves early adoption.

Step 8: Post-Launch Updates

Post-launch work keeps the app competitive, secure, and aligned with user needs.

► Monitor & Upgrade

Monitoring app performance helps identify bugs, slow features, and user behavior. Regular upgrades based on data and feedback improve efficiency, usability, and overall app quality.

► App Maintenance

Maintenance includes bug fixes, security updates, and feature improvements. Ongoing app maintenance services ensure the app remains reliable, secure, and ready for an increased user base.

Considering the steps and focusing on every detail will help you solve your query on how to develop an app like Careem in UAE. Read the next section to understand the effective cost to develop.

Cost to Build an App Like Careem

Now, the main question here is what the mobile app development cost in Dubai is.

Building a mobile app is not a simple task. You need to focus on every single step to manage the overall development cost. The average cost to create a super app like Careem ranges from AED 200,000 to AED 500,000.

Here is a breakdown of the cost to create a mobile app of your choice to give a fair idea.

Once you understand the pricing models, it is important to know the factors that impact the development cost. Here are some mentioned below.

# Architecture of a super app - 

You need a modular and scalable backend to integrate multiple services like food, deliveries, and payments, raising development costs.

# Hiring cost - 

The cost to hire mobile app developers in Dubai, based on your project requirements, impacts the development cost; so choose wisely.

# Integration of the latest trends - 

Building apps like Careem involves the use of AI and ML for route optimization, driver allocation, and fare prediction, which increases complexity and overall cost.

# Post-launch maintenance -

Regular updates and maintenance are essential for an app to work seamlessly in the long term under every condition.

# Development Time -

To make a super app like Careem in UAE, you need to integrate multiple APIs and features, which increases the mobile app development timeline, hence increasing cost.

Challenges in Developing an App Like Careem in the UAE

There are several technical and user-related challenges involved when creating Careem-like apps. Here, we will discuss some challenges along with reliable solutions for them. 

1. Regulatory Hurdles

Challenge: Designing and implementing a complaint system that aligns with the UAE PDPL regulations.

Solution: Implement encrypted complaint modules with consent management, role-based access, and data retention controls to meet UAE PDPL needs when you develop an app like Careem.

2. User Experience Issues

Challenge: Offering service to the UAE’s diverse multilingual population while covering both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with such apps across different income segments.

Solution: Designing a simple interface with multi-language support helps users from different backgrounds. For companies looking to make an app like Careem in UAE must focus on guided onboarding and easy navigation.

3. Technical Problems

Challenge: Building infrastructure that handles the UAE’s unique geography, extreme weather affecting GPS accuracy, peak demand during events and holidays, and local payment system integration.

Solution: Strong cloud infrastructure and smart GPS optimization handle weather and peak demand challenges. When planning to create an app like Careem, integrate local payment systems and scalable backend services.

4. Operational Scaling

Challenge: Managing driver recruitment from the UAE's diverse expatriate workforce, with varying demand levels, maintaining fleet standards in a harsh desert climate, and competing in a market with established players.

Solution: Automation plays a major role in managing large operations. Businesses that make an app like Careem scale faster using digital onboarding, demand forecasting, and performance tracking.

How Careem Like Apps Make Money?

Knowing the cost to develop a super app like Careem is just a basic step. The main point that defines the success of your project is the return on investment. Let us discuss some tested mobile app monetization models for success in your business.

1. Subscription-Based Model

A subscription-based model is the best for businesses to generate regular revenue. Users and service partners pay fixed monthly or yearly fees to access extra benefits like priority bookings and lower service charges.

2. Commission-Based Model

A small commission from drivers, delivery partners, and service providers as commission is a common way such apps make money. As usage grows, commission increases naturally, which makes this model scalable and reliable.

3. B2B Collaborations

B2B collaborations help apps earn a stable income while expanding service offerings without directly handling every operation themselves. These businesses pay the app to access customers, manage deliveries, or run special services.

4. In-App Advertisements

Brands pay to promote their products or services inside the app. Ads can appear as banners, sponsored listings, or special offers. Since such apps have high daily user activity, advertisers get strong visibility.

5. Transaction Fees

The app charges a small fee for each payment made through its wallet or payment system. Even low fees can generate high revenue when transactions happen at large scale, making this a simple yet effective income source.

Why JPLoft to Build an App Like Careem in UAE?

JPLoft is a trusted mobile app development company in Dubai with proven expertise in building on-demand and super app solutions. We help businesses confidently execute how to create an app like Careem in UAE with local expertise, modern technology, and scalable architecture.

The team specializes in developing high-performance ride-hailing, delivery, and multi-service platforms using modern technologies and secure architectures. From intuitive UI/UX design to robust backend development, JPLoft focuses on creating apps that deliver seamless user experiences and long-term scalability.

The team follows an agile development approach, enabling faster launches, transparent communication, and continuous improvements. With dedicated post-launch support, performance monitoring, and maintenance services, JPLoft helps businesses grow confidently and stay competitive.

Conclusion

Developing an app like Careem in the UAE is a high-potential opportunity. By understanding how to build an app like Careem with the right strategy, compliance, and technology, businesses can build a future-ready app that competes in the UAE’s evolving digital economy.

However, success depends on more than feature replication. With strong digital adoption and government support, the market is well-positioned for scalable platforms.

By focusing on local needs, secure payments, seamless UX, and continuous optimization, businesses can get success easily. Thus, the platform will compete effectively in the UAE’s fast-evolving digital economy.