Road To Net-Zero

Uber's been evolving its vehicles, pricing, and ride options to steer a transition to clean energy. Now regional head FRANS HIEMSTRA needs to persuade passengers and drivers in the Middle East to choose them.

- Jamila Gandhi

Despite being one of the world’s most successful companies, it’s taken Uber 14 years to become profitable. Having been established in 2009, in Q2 2023, the global technology firm reported an operating profit during a fiscal quarter for the first time in its history, recording an operating income of $326 million, marking a $1 billion yearon-year increase and $588 million versus the preceding quarter. While this milestone is remarkable, the conglomerate has been focusing on gaining momentum on a bigger priority—sustainability.

In Q1 2023, more than 9% of trips requested through the Uber platform in the U.A.E. were emission-free. “This is just a start,” says Frans Hiemstra, Director and Regional General Manager for Uber Middle East and Africa. “We need to continue the dialogue and collaboration to accelerate expanding this transition across all countries in our region.” In the U.A.E., Uber has committed to having one in four trips emission-free by 2030. The goal falls under the U.S.-headquartered company’s broader agenda to transform into a zero-emissions platform by 2040, announced in 2020.