With a background in computer science, entrepreneurship, and management consulting, Sheikha has successfully bridged technology and business to build scalable solutions that improve daily life. His leadership has positioned Careem as a pioneer in the region’s digital transformation, expanding services beyond mobility into delivery, digital payments, and groceries.
Co-Founder & CEO
Mudassir Sheikha
Mudassir Sheikha is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Careem, the Middle East’s leading ride-hailing and technology platform. Since co-founding the company in 2012 with Magnus Olsson, he has played a pivotal role in transforming Careem into the region’s first tech unicorn and a household name across more than 120 cities in 15 countries.
Career Journey
– Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer – Careem (2012 – Present) – Associate Partner – McKinsey & Company, Dubai (2008 – 2012) – Founding Team Member – DeviceAnywhere, San Francisco (2003 – 2008), later acquired by Keynote – Early Career Roles – Brience, Garage Technology Ventures, and Trilogy
Academic Background
– Master’s Degree in Computer Science – Stanford University (2001 – 2003) – Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Computer Science (Summa Cum Laude) – University of Southern California (1996 – 1999) – High School – St. Patrick’s High School, Pakistan
Strategic Contributions
– Built Careem into the region’s first “super app,” expanding from ride-hailing into food delivery, digital payments, and grocery services. – Created employment opportunities for over 3,500 employees and more than one million “Captains” across MENA. – Strengthened the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by inspiring startups and fostering innovation.
Other Roles & Recognitions
– Board Member – Endeavor Pakistan (since 2022) – Global Recognition – Named Gulf Business Entrepreneur of the Year (2014) and recognized internationally for contributions to entrepreneurship and technology.
Leadership Impact
Mudassir Sheikha’s leadership is defined by his vision to improve lives and accelerate digital transformation across the Middle East. By positioning Careem as the region’s first super app, he has reshaped mobility, commerce, and digital payments—cementing Careem’s role as a driver of economic and social impact in alignment with the aspirations of Vision 2030 and beyond.
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