The Utilization of Ride Sourcing Applications in the UAE: A Structural Equation Model

A Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by Nada Medhat Hassanin Abdelaziz Elsamahy entitled, “The Utilization of Ride Sourcing Applications in the UAE: A Structural Equation Model”, submitted in December 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Vian Ahmed. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).

Abstract

Ride Sourcing service providers or what is commonly known in the UAE as Uber and Careem operate in a market that has a well-established public transportation network, a safe transportation environment, and a mandatory government rule to price the ride sourcing service at 30% more than taxis. These conditions, according to previous research around the world, are deterrents for the utilization of the service. Yet, the service is still thriving and successful in the UAE. Thus, an understanding of the factors and attributes of the service that affect its current utilization in this specific environment is necessary. As such this study aims to develop an understanding of the socio-economic factors, service and trip related factors, accessibility of other modes of transportation, and environmental factors that contribute to stakeholders’ utilization of these services. In addition, the study was able to investigate the relationship between these factors along with their significance on the utilization of such services using a mixed methods strategies and data collection tools. Based on these results a set of recommendations for the service providers and transportation officials was suggested.