Uber launches initiative to support local businesses across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Uber has launched a short-term initiative to drive customers to neighbourhood businesses across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering ride discounts and an in-app tipping match to support both local venues and drivers. From April 3 until April 7, riders in the two emirates can use promo codes SUPPORTLOCALDXB (Dubai) and SUPPORTLOCALAD (Abu Dhabi) to get 20% off trips to a curated list of community hubs, including Alserkal Avenue, Al Seef and Marsa Al Bateen.

Direct quote

"This initiative reflects Uber’s commitment to supporting local communities by connecting people not just to places, but to the businesses and experiences that shape the city," said Tala Nsouli, General Manager of Uber UAE. "By making it easier to get there, we hope to encourage people to discover places and support homegrown businesses that are the heartbeat of our cities.”

Details of the campaign

The promotion covers 20% off rides to a number of neighbourhood and lifestyle destinations. In Dubai the campaign lists:

• Alserkal Avenue
• Wasl Square
• Al Seef
• Marsa Boulevard
• The Square
• Nad Al Sheba Gardens
• Springs Souk
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

In Abu Dhabi the specified destination named in the press release is Marsa Al Bateen and Miza.

Uber said the objective is to make it "easier and more affordable" for residents and visitors to reach independent eateries, retail concepts, cultural districts and lifestyle destinations that contribute to the local economy. The company framed the effort as supporting "independent venues, creative spaces, and neighbourhood destinations" that shape everyday city life.

Alongside discounted rides, Uber matched all in-app tips of AED 10 or more across the UAE during the same period, effectively doubling the additional earnings for drivers "at no additional expense to riders," the company said. This measure was positioned as an incentive to encourage community generosity while boosting driver income during a busy period.

Uber also reiterated broader company context in the release: the platform started in 2010 and has now facilitated "more than 68 billion trips," framing the campaign within its stated mission to "create opportunity through movement." Media enquiries were directed to Uber at press@uber.co in the press material provided to Zawya.

Outlook

The five-day initiative is time-limited, running only from April 3 to April 7, but reflects a tactic increasingly used by mobility platforms to channel customer footfall towards local business districts. Uber positions the campaign as reinforcing its commitment to the local economy and to connecting people with “the businesses and experiences that make each city unique.” Whether the discount window translates into sustained visits to the highlighted neighbourhoods will depend on consumer response and any follow-up initiatives from the company or local partners.