A Careem Networks FZ logo sits on the exterior of a driver support center at the ride-hailing company's headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Middle East ride-hailing company Careem said on Thursday it had secured $200 million in new funding from existing investors, including from Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Kingdom Holding.

Dubai-headquartered Careem, the main regional rival of Uber Technologies, has expanded into new markets this year such as Sudan and has been trialing food delivery services since February.

The $200 million was the first close of a funding round in which it expects to raise over $500 million, Careem said in a statement.

The $200 million raised from existing investors also includes Saudi Arabia's Al Tayyar Group and STV, and Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten, Careem said.

It was not immediately clear what Careem's valuation would be after securing the latest funding. It was estimated to be worth about $1 billion as of December 2016.