Uber suspends services in Abu Dhabi

Rival service Careem has also put its service there on hold, after some of its cars were stopped by authorities.

Uber, which has been operating in the Emirates since 2013, did not explain why it had suspended its service, but did say the move was "temporary".

An Emirates newspaper, The National, reported that as many as 50 drivers had been arrested over the weekend.

The report quoted one industry source as saying there was confusion as to why the drivers had been detained.

In a statement Uber said: ""This is a temporary suspension and we will let you know of any further updates."

Both Careem and Uber said that services in neighbouring Dubai were operating as normal.

Uber has been investing heavily in the Middle East, helped by a recent $3.5bn investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

But the company's international expansion has been hampered by legal battles:

• In the UK two drivers have taken the company to an employment tribunal, saying that they should be offered holiday and sick pay

• In Taiwan Uber is facing a ban after officials said the firm was not operating lawfully

The company also sold its business in China earlier this month.

Uber's service allows customers to book journeys and pay via a smartphone app.