In a fast-paced city like Abu Dhabi, solo dining is often a spontaneous act—an office lunch in between meetings, a late-night craving after a long shift, or simply a peaceful meal at home. Careem Food, a key player in the UAE’s food delivery landscape, has stepped up to serve this growing trend with its newly launched initiative: ‘Meals:On’, now available in Abu Dhabi.
After successful pilots in Dubai and Sharjah, Careem is bringing this solo-friendly feature to the capital, aiming to simplify the food ordering process for individuals who just want one good meal, fast.
What is ‘Meals:On’?
‘Meals:On’ is a curated selection of solo meal combos from a wide range of partner restaurants. Think of it as a one-stop tab inside the Careem Food app that eliminates the need to scroll endlessly or worry about minimum order charges when you’re eating alone.
Each combo is crafted for a single serving, combining customer favorites from cuisines like Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and fast food. Users can access this feature via the Careem Food app by tapping on the dedicated ‘Meals:On’
The service promises affordability, speed, and convenience. Most meal options fall under the AED 30 range and are designed to be delivered in 30 minutes or less—ideal for solo diners who want fuss-free food, fast.
A Local Appetite for Solo Dining
While traditional family-style dining remains at the heart of UAE culture, solo meals are quickly gaining popularity—driven by the changing work culture, rising number of single professionals, and digital nomads. Careem’s data revealed a significant increase in single-person order volumes in Abu Dhabi in the last year alone, prompting the brand to fast-track its ‘Meals:On’ expansion to the capital.
“People don’t always want to cook or go out to eat when they’re alone, and we saw a real opportunity to make solo meals simpler and more joyful,” said a spokesperson from Careem Food. “With ‘Meals:On’, we’ve made it easier for customers to get tasty, satisfying meals without over-ordering or overspending.”
Designed With Abu Dhabi’s Diverse Tastes in Mind
The Abu Dhabi edition of ‘Meals:On’ features local favorites tailored to the city’s multicultural population. From creamy butter chicken with rice to sizzling kebabs, spicy ramen bowls, and crispy chicken wraps, the offerings reflect the varied palate of solo diners across the city.
Partner restaurants include both homegrown eateries and global chains, providing plenty of choice for every kind of craving. You’ll find deals from popular names such as Freej Swaileh, Bait El Khetyar, and Chicking, with new restaurants being added weekly.
No Minimum Order, No Problem
One of the biggest turn-offs for solo diners using food delivery apps has long been the minimum order amount. With ‘Meals:On’, Careem eliminates this concern entirely. Every meal combo is pre-priced to be cost-effective and solo-friendly. Plus, many orders come with free delivery depending on the user’s Careem Plus status or promotional offers.
This not only enhances the overall experience for customers but also streamlines operations for partner restaurants who benefit from a steady stream of small, high-frequency orders.
Sustainability in Small Servings
Another subtle but important advantage of solo meals is the potential for reducing food waste. With appropriately portioned meals designed for one, there’s less likelihood of leftovers being thrown away.
Careem Food has also collaborated with select restaurant partners to use eco-friendly packaging, aligning with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and catering to conscious consumers who want convenience without guilt.
A Win for Restaurants, Too
‘Meals:On’ is not just a win for customers—it’s also proving beneficial for local restaurants looking to optimize their kitchen capacity during off-peak hours. Since solo orders tend to come at different times than family meal rushes, they help maintain a steadier flow of business throughout the day.
Careem offers data-driven insights to its partner eateries, helping them create meal combos that are both popular and profitable. It’s a collaborative model that’s already delivering results in other emirates and now aims to scale rapidly in Abu Dhabi.
What’s Next?
Careem Food plans to continue expanding ‘Meals:On’ to more neighborhoods across Abu Dhabi. In the coming months, customers can expect themed solo meal bundles during special occasions like Ramadan, summer deals, and late-night specials.
There’s also talk of introducing ‘Meals:On Now’, an even faster delivery option for select zones, leveraging Careem’s growing fleet of delivery riders and advanced order batching technology.
Final Bite
Careem Food’s ‘Meals:On’ is a simple idea that meets a very real need—making it easier for solo diners in Abu Dhabi to enjoy a delicious, affordable meal without the hassle. Whether you’re working late, chilling solo, or just craving something quick, it’s a thoughtful addition that fits right into the rhythm of modern life.
As more UAE residents embrace solo dining as a norm rather than an exception, services like these aren’t just a trend—they’re becoming part of the daily dining culture.
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