This key milestone will help to provide flexible economic opportunities to Emiratis.

Uber announced on February 3, that the first group of Emirati nationals have started driving on the Uber app in Abu Dhabi using their private vehicles, following the app's relaunch in the UAE's capital in December 2018.

This is a first for the brand in the UAE and this key milestone will help to provide flexible economic opportunities to Emiratis interested in driving on their own time on a full-time or part-time basis and further cements the ties between Uber and Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

Commenting on the announcement, Tino Waked, General Manager of Uber Middle East and North Africa, said: "We are proud to have made great progress since we announced Uber's return to Abu Dhabi last month, with the first Emirati driver-partner on the app who has already embarked on his first trip in and around the capital. Abu Dhabi has always been an important market for Uber and we have worked collaboratively with ITC to align to their vision, and shown our commitment towards fully supporting the city's efforts in pioneering flexible, part time opportunities and an even better quality of life through urban mobility and smart initiatives."

He added; "We are confident that we will continue to see an increase in Emirati sign-ups who seek Uber to make a flexible income, and we're proud to continue to bring our technology to even more driver-partners and riders across the country"

Uber's triumphant return to the capital followed continuous work with the Abu Dhabi Government and the Department of Transport, with the goal of providing convenient, reliable and affordable transportation solutions to residents and visitors across the Emirate aligned with Abu Dhabi's smart transportation strategy.

Uber is poised for continued growth; with riders and drivers now able to access the Uber app in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the leading ride-hailing app is committed towards continuing to make the service available to as many people as possible in the UAE in the future.

A landing page on the Uber website has been created for Emiratis to join the app and it includes requirements and terms and conditions, including being above 21 years of age and having had a drivers' license for at least one year.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com