- Hala, a Dubai-based e-hailing service, is expanding into Egypt through a partnership with MwaslaTech, a local provider of smart transport and shared mobility solutions. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Under the agreement, Hala will explore opportunities in Egypt's New Administrative Capital (NAC), situated east of Cairo, and in other cities across the country.
- This move marks Hala's first expansion beyond the UAE, aiming to introduce innovative solutions and use advanced technologies to enhance the travel experience for customers in Egypt.
Hala, launched in 2019, currently operates in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah within the UAE. In the first quarter of 2024, Hala experienced a 20% increase in new user registrations compared to the same period last year. Since January 2024, the company has trained over 2,577 Captains (drivers).
Expanding into Egypt, Hala aims to replicate and expand upon its success achieved in the UAE. The move also targets Egypt's burgeoning ride-hailing market, projected to grow to $256 million by 2024 and expected to reach $527 million by 2029.
Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, expressed pride in venturing beyond the UAE for the first time, initiating Hala's expansion into the MENAT region (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey).
“Our experience and reputation for reliability in the UAE will enable us to deliver first-rate transportation solutions in Egypt. We are dedicated to delivering the same high standard of service excellence and innovation in this new market,” the CEO said.
Yasser Sedky, CEO of MwaslaTech, emphasised their extensive experience in Egypt's public transport sector and their approach to integrating e-hailing with street-hailing, leveraging their expertise in smart transport solutions for Egyptian commuters.
Hala aims to collaborate with government and private stakeholders in Egypt to enhance transportation services for Cairo commuters.
Hala’s expansion into Egypt will see it competing with Bolt, Uber, and inDrive. In March 2024, Bolt expanded into Cairo, Egypt, offering a six-month 50% discount and a 15% standard commission waiver for drivers.
