Call taxi service launched in Riyadh

May 22, 2014

Call taxi service in RiyadhRiyadh, May 22: A Riyadh-based Saudi company has introduced an online taxi service that can be accessed via smartphones and on a toll free number.

“MyTaxi Saudia” has begun providing services, with a soft launch held at the first Saudi Mobile Expo, which concluded in Riyadh on Wednesday.

MyTaxi Saudia was one of the exhibitors at the expo. “The Riyadh-based company operates under the slogan ‘Any car, anywhere, anytime with convenience and care’,” said Mohammed Ansar, managing director of the company, on Wednesday.

“We are a local Saudi company, which understands the needs and requirements of the local market,” he said. “The company plans to extend services to other major cities, such as Jeddah and Dammam in the Eastern Province.

Customers can either request a limousine or hire a car of their choice. Limousines will have a meter and other cars will be charged according to the distance covered. Airport pick-ups in Riyadh will cost SR100 and SR70 to get dropped off.

“We are strict in ensuring consumer privacy and security,” he said. “Customers can call drivers via a central system without having their mobile phone numbers displayed.”

“Likewise, drivers can also call customers via the automated central system,” said Ansar. “This is an important feature, since most customers are women.”

“We also ensure convenience, since customers no longer need to wait outside for the taxi to arrive,” he said. “Customers will be informed via message and smartphone users can even monitor the driver’s whereabouts.”

“Customers can select the taxi company, an important feature in reassuring users that they are dealing with licensed entities,” said Ansar. “The vehicles registered in our system are tracked by a GPS system for customer protection. We are the only service company connecting customers to licensed taxi services in the Kingdom free of charge.”

“Our booking service will not only benefit customers, but also other sectors in the transport industry in the Kingdom,” he said. “The new system will also put an end to taxis having to roam the street in search of clients.”

“Taxi drivers waste more than 50 percent of their time trying to find passengers. The new system will also provide ample employment opportunities for Saudi youth.”

Customers can download the app on their smartphones or call toll-free number 920009286.

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News Network
April 2,2020

Dubai, Apr 2: A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year in comments suggesting the pilgrimage could be cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

In February, the kingdom took the extraordinary decision to close off the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to foreigners over the virus, a step which wasn’t taken even during the 1918 flu epidemic that killed tens of millions worldwide.

Restrictions have tightened in the kingdom as it grapples with over 1,500 confirmed cases of the new virus. The kingdom has reported 10 deaths so far. The Middle East has more than 71,000 confirmed cases of the virus, most of those in Iran, and over 3,300 deaths.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prepared to secure the safety of all Muslims and nationals,” Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Banten told state television. “That’s why we have requested from all Muslims around the world to hold onto signing any agreements (with tour operators) until we have a clear vision.”

Saudi Arabia has barred people from entering or exiting three major cities, including Mecca and Medina, and imposed a nighttime curfew across the country. Like other countries around the world and in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has suspended all inbound and outbound commercial flights.

Each year, up to 2 million Muslims perform the hajj, a physically demanding and often costly pilgrimage that draws the faithful from around the world. The hajj, required of all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lifetime, is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.

Standing in Mecca in front of the cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward five times daily, Banten also said the kingdom was already providing care for 1,200 pilgrims stuck in the holy city due to global travel restrictions. A number of them are being quarantined in hotels in Mecca, he said.

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News Network
April 21,2020

Dubai, Apr 21: Saudi Arabia reported 1122 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 10,484, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday (April 20).

Ministry of health announced 27% of the cases are for Saudis, while 73% for non-Saudis, and ages ranged from one month old baby to 96 years old.

Meanwhile, the ministry reported 92 recoveries today, with total recoveries in the kingdom at 1,490. There are 96 cases in intensive care.

The ministry also confirmed 6 deaths on Monday, bringing the total number of deaths in the kingdom to 103.

The Saudi health minister on Monday announced that 47 billion riyals were approved by the goverment to support the health ministry in this pandemic.

Also the minister in a press confrence referred to the large numbers of cases revealed in past days saying, "During the past three days, everyone noticed an increase in the number of people infected with the coronavirus, due to the active testing of areas."

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News Network
April 26,2020

Dubai, Apr 26: Saudi Arabia reported 1223 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 17522, the Ministry of Health announced on Sunday (April 26).

Meanwhile, the ministry reported 142 recoveries today, with total recoveries in the kingdom at 2357. There are 115 cases in intensive care.

The ministry also confirmed 3 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the kingdom to 139.

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has ordered the partial lifting of a curfew imposed due to the new coronavirus across the country while keeping a 24-hour lockdown in the holy city of Mecca, the Saudi news agency SPA reported Sunday. The partial lifting of the restriction started Sunday from 9am until 5pm and will continue until May 14, the agency added.

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