Uber

Its board has been told repeatedly that fewer than 40 per cent of users believe the company takes safety seriously

The layoffs represent less than 1% of the ride-share company’s global workforce

The ride-hailing giant has been making acquisitions overseas to strengthen its position internationally

The ride-hailing company will initially invest US$300 million and fund the remaining amount until 2031

The vehicles will operate on Uber’s platform in the initial phase, with a trained safety driver in the cars

The company expects the move to generate an additional US$1 billion in gross bookings over the next three years

The deal will bolster the US company’s position in the Middle East

The company maintains that its drivers are independent contractors rather than employees

The company’s quarterly gross bookings rise 22% to US$54.14 billion