Uber offers discounted rides to UAE healthcare workers

Caregivers at Amana Healthcare, Saudi German Hospital and Zulekha Hospital are planning to use the new service called Uber Medics

Uber is spending $50m on safety supplies, such as masks and sanitisers which it will provide to its drivers. AFP

Ride-hailing giant Uber unveiled a new service on Thursday offering UAE healthcare workers discounted trips to and from their workplaces in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The service called Uber Medics is part of the company's global programme to help healthcare workers and communities cope during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We want to do our part and support those who have played a key role in protecting us during this pandemic,” said Rifad Mahasneh, Uber general manager in the UAE.

“We are excited to launch Uber Medics in the UAE and look forward to working with more partners and to help more healthcare workers in these uncertain times.”

The service was first launched in the UK last month where the company offers a 25 per cent discount to medical staff. However, Uber did not disclose the value of discount offered in the Emirates.

In the UAE, Uber Medics will go live with a number of partners – such as Amana Healthcare, part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers  – to help thousands of health workers.

“Amana Healthcare will be utilising Uber Medics through an Uber for Business solution, for transporting their caregivers to and from the patient’s home,” the company said.

Other healthcare providers whose medical staff will use the service include Saudi German Hospital and Zulekha Hospital in Dubai.

“These are challenging times, the spread of coronavirus has brought a lot of change to the way we live and work … we have been looking at how we can support and bring a positive impact to our communities,” added Mr Mahasneh.

Uber is also spending $50 million (Dh183.5m) on safety supplies, such as masks and sanitisers, which it will provide to its drivers.