Pay 30% less for rides: UberX Share launched in Qatar for the World Cup

Doha: Ahead of the month-long World Cup extravaganza in Qatar, Uber has launched new app features and ride options to enable a seamless experience for fans in the city. Many fans are expected to use Dubai and Abu Dhabi as pit stops for their FIFA experience, so if you’re a UAE resident or visitor heading to Qatar, here’s what you should know.

UberX Share and UberXL

UberX Share is the more affordable version of UberX, according to a company media statement. Available when requesting a trip using the Uber app, UberX Share lets two riders heading in the same direction share the same ride, helping them pay up to 30 per cent less on their total fare.

UberX will continue to facilitate affordable rides, UberXL will help groups of four to six people request rides to get around town together, and Uber Comfort lets riders tailor their trip requests to their liking and connects them with top-rated drivers.

Dedicated lanes for Uber at stadiums

To help beat the crowds, Uber has worked closely with relevant stakeholders to set up pick up and drop off locations at lanes 1-5 at each of the stadiums. Clear venue signage is set to make it easier for riders and drivers to navigate, despite the crowds.

Check the licence plate number

Riders are highly encouraged to check the licence plate number before they get into a vehicle.

Language and currency no barrier

Helping to ease some of the stress with international travel, any language barriers can be solved by driver and rider communicating via in-app messaging which automatically translates into the user's preferred language. Likewise, visitors do not need to worry about local currency in cash on arrival as the Uber app allows them to link a credit card to their account.

Safety features

Uber has a roster of 20 in-app safety features that aim to help riders’ and drivers’ peace of mind before, during and after a trip. One example is the anti-discrimination button which makes it simpler for riders and drivers to report any incident that goes against Uber’s community guidelines.

If you get caught up in football fever and leave something behind in a vehicle, don’t panic! The easiest way to retrieve a lost item is to get in touch with the driver via the app - but if you’ve left your phone behind, you can log in to your account on a computer.

Here’s what to do:

Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you forgot your personal belongings.

Scroll down and tap “Find lost item”.

Tap “Contact driver about a lost item”.

Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit.

Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.

If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you.

If your driver doesn’t pick up, leave a detailed voicemail describing your item and the best way to contact you.

If you lost your personal phone, enter another phone number instead (you can do this by logging into your account on a computer, or using a friend’s phone).