Careem Food launches catering service in the UAE
Dubai, UAE, 29 July 2026: Careem, the region’s leading Everything App, has launched Careem Food Catering, a new service giving customers across Dubai and Abu Dhabi access to 20+ of the UAE’s top caterers through a single, seamless booking experience on the Careem app.
The launch lands at the height of UAE summer, when everyone comes together indoors and homes become the venue of choice. From weekend family lunches and birthday celebrations to movie or game nights, and office get-togethers, summer is one of the busiest seasons for home hosting in the region, and Careem Food Catering is built to make feeding a crowd the easiest part of the plan.
The service was developed in direct response to data from Careem’s own platform. Over recent months, the company has seen a consistent spike in large group orders, office catering requests and repeat catering-related searches, signalling a clear demand for a more convenient, app-based hosting experience.
Unlike standard group orders, which are typically placed for immediate delivery, Careem Food Catering is built for planning ahead using its scheduling feature. Customers can place orders between 24 and 72 hours in advance depending on the caterer, and can book for events happening up to 15 days away. Every caterer on the service offers menus designed specifically for large groups, whether that’s a gathering of 10 or a celebration of 60, making it far simpler to order for a crowd than piecing together individual dishes. Minimum orders start from AED 350.
The selection is also designed around how people actually host. Customers can choose family-style feasting with generous shared plates, finger food suited to standing receptions and office events, or live stations and carts that bring the experience straight to the venue. Selected caterers even offer waiter service, so hosts can spend the evening with their guests while the caterer handles all the details.
“Food is at the heart of every gathering, and we wanted to make that part effortless. Summer in the UAE is when hosting really comes alive. Everyone heads indoors, and homes turn into the place where friends and family come together. And yet, in one of the most digitally engaged markets in the world, catering has stayed a surprisingly offline experience. With Careem Food Catering, we’re giving people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi access to the best caterers in their city, with the same ease and reliability they already trust us for. This summer, and for every occasion after, we want Careem to be the first place people turn to when they’re hosting.”
Nourhan Farhat, VP of Marketplace Businesses at Careem
“Catering has always been about creating memorable experiences, but reaching the right customers at the right moment has been a real challenge. Partnering with Careem changes that. Their platform gives us direct access to customers across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and their reliability means we can focus on what we do best. We’re proud to be part of this launch.”
Danish Irfan Gaya, Director of Gazebo
This initial rollout marks phase one of Careem’s catering expansion, with plans to onboard more culinary partners, introduce specialised menu customisations, and expand the service to additional Emirates in the coming months.
Careem Food Catering is available now on the Careem app in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
About Careem
Careem is building the Everything App for the Middle East, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an awesome organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has created earning opportunities for over 3.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 75 million customers, and built a platform for the region’s best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
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