There have been rumors about Uber coming to Kuwait for at least a decade now, and I think we might finally be getting it next year. I don’t have any inside sources confirming this, it’s just my opinion.
Recently I got a notification from my Uber app with a message saying “Hello, Kuwait. Wherever you’re headed, explore with ride options that fit your travel plans”. Someone on Reddit posted a different message he got which said “See more of Kuwait. Explore the city sights with Uber”.
That was the first hint. The second came when a reader emailed me saying he was taking a cab to pick up his new car and got into a conversation with the driver. The subject of Uber came up, and the driver told him they were starting in Kuwait on October 2nd. He even showed him an email with Uber in the subject line.
That’s when I decided to reach out to a contact at Careem to see if they knew anything. Since Uber acquired Careem years ago, I figured if anyone had info on Uber coming to Kuwait, it would be them. Here’s what I found out.
Uber is NOT launching in Kuwait on October 2nd.
What’s actually happening is that Careem’s driver backend is being integrated into Uber’s software. This is consistent with how things work in other markets where Careem operates, and it makes sense since Careem is owned by Uber. This is also confirmed on the Careem drivers page, which now states:
Captains operate on the Uber app now!
Signup on the Uber Driver app to get Careem bookings on the Uber Driver app and enjoy Uber Driver perks!
The signup link then redirects drivers to the Uber website to complete the process.
But from the conversation I had, I felt there was more to the story. When I asked if Uber was launching in Kuwait on October 2nd, my contact said they were still only operating as Careem for now, but might have some news in 2026. When I asked if Careem was rebranding to Uber, they said no, that would not happen. If Uber decided to enter the market, both apps would operate in Kuwait. They then hinted again that some exciting news could be coming early next year.
Here’s what I think. Uber is in fact coming to Kuwait next year. My guess is that Uber and Careem will operate as one entity with two different apps, meaning Careem drivers are Uber drivers and vice versa. That makes sense since both would be using the same backend system. That’s just my theory though, and for now we’ll have to wait and see.
5 replies on “Is Uber Coming to Kuwait?”
I don’t see why Uber would want to operate with two front end apps for the same back end. Why can’t they just have one app to make it simpler for everyone? Do they want to give people the illusion of choice?
The already operate like that in other markets. Careem in Kuwait has more brand awareness than Uber so why lose that?
If I knew Uber was operating in Kuwait I would never book a ride with Careem.
Countless times I’ve had issues where Careem riders would pick up another customer and then apologize for the mistake, cancel the ride while it’s underway, charge me for the ride, and then have the headache of reaching out to the customer support who would refund me the amount. All because they don’t have an OTP system where you need to confirm your booking with a rider.
That wouldn’t change with Uber. I’ve gone through so much shit with Uber in Greece and Turkey. I had an Uber drop me off on the side of the highway where he had his friend pick me up to continue my trip.
Only thing that comes to mind is that it would be useful for tourists. Most aren’t aware of Careem, so Uber is probably the first taxi app they check.