The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) approves for Uber's acquisition of Dubai-based ride-hailing app Careem after setting conditions, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the $3.1 billion (Dh11.3bn) deal to proceed ECA stipulated terms, including capping annual fare increases and surge pricing, after studying the deal's impact on the local market. The conditions are intended to guarantee a competitive environment and protect the rights of passengers, drivers and small-and-medium-sized enterprises. In March, Uber announced its purchase of its UAE-based rival Careem, marking the region's biggest technology transaction to date. Both companies have operated since 2014 in Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, with services including passenger vehicles, buses and deliveries.