Dubai’s Hala E-hailing App Makes First Move into Africa with Egyptian Expansion

Dubai-based ride-hailing service Hala is setting its sights on new horizons, announcing its first international expansion into Egypt. Through a strategic partnership with MwaslaTech, a local provider of smart transport solutions, Hala plans to bring its innovative e-hailing platform to Egyptian customers.

This agreement marks a significant milestone for Hala, signifying its ambition to grow beyond the United Arab Emirates. The company aims to leverage its success in the UAE to capture a share of Egypt’s rapidly growing ride-hailing market. According to industry estimates, the Egyptian ride-hailing market is projected to reach $256 million by the end of 2024, with further growth to $527 million anticipated by 2029.

Hala’s initial focus in Egypt will be on the burgeoning New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo. However, the agreement also paves the way for expansion into other key Egyptian cities. This move positions Hala to compete with established players in the Egyptian ride-hailing landscape, including Bolt, Uber, and inDrive. Notably, Bolt entered the Cairo market in March 2024 with aggressive promotions, offering a 50% discount for riders for the first six months and a commission waiver for drivers.

Hala’s expansion plans extend beyond simply offering ride-hailing services. The company aims to collaborate with both government and private stakeholders in Egypt to contribute to the improvement of transportation infrastructure and services for Cairo commuters. By utilizing advanced technologies and innovative solutions, Hala hopes to enhance the overall travel experience for Egyptian customers.

This partnership between Hala and MwaslaTech signifies a promising development for both companies. Hala gains access to a new and exciting market with significant growth potential, while MwaslaTech benefits from Hala’s expertise and technology within the ride-hailing industry. As Hala embarks on its Egyptian adventure, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the competitive landscape and establishes itself as a preferred choice for riders in the country.