Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, and efficient public transportation system. Among the various modes of transport available, taxis remain a popular choice for both residents and tourists. This ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about Dubai taxis, from their history and types to booking methods and fare details.
Dubai Taxi Service & Fares At Glance
- History Of Dubai Taxi
- Unification Of The Taxi Service
- What Do Different Colours Represent In Dubai Taxi?
- What Are The Different Types Of Taxi?
- Dubai Taxi Fare Details
- How To Book A Taxi In Dubai Via Phone?
- What Are The Apps Used For Booking A Taxi In Dubai?
- Payment Methods For A Taxi Service
- Additional Information For Taxi Users In Dubai
- FAQs
History Of Dubai Taxi
The history of taxis in Dubai dates back to the 1950s when private car owners started offering rides for a fare. Over the decades, the city saw rapid development, leading to the establishment of formal taxi services. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), formed in 2005, has since overseen the regulation and expansion of taxi services, ensuring a standardized and efficient system.
Unification Of The Taxi Service
In the past, Dubai’s taxi services were provided by multiple companies with varying standards and fares, causing confusion among passengers. The RTA unified these services under a single regulatory framework, improving service quality, fare consistency, and passenger safety. This unification also allowed for the integration of advanced technologies like GPS tracking and cashless payment options.
What Do Different Colours Represent In Dubai Taxi?
In Dubai, taxis are operated under the supervision of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and while all taxis have a uniform beige body colour, the roof colour varies and signifies the different franchises and specific services they provide. Here’s what each roof colour means:
Red Roof: Operated by Dubai Taxi Corporation, these are the standard taxis widely available across the city. The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) operates the largest fleet of taxis in Dubai.
Yellow Roof: Run by National Taxi, these taxis are also standard and offer the same services as the red-roof taxis. National Taxi was one of the first private taxi companies to start operating in Dubai, established in 2000.
Blue Roof: Operated by Cars Taxi, another franchise providing standard taxi services in the city. Cars Taxi is notable for its eco-friendly initiatives, being the first taxi company in the UAE to introduce hybrid vehicles in its fleet back in 2008.
Green Roof: These are run by Al Arabia Taxi, part of the standard fleet available throughout the city. Al Arabia Taxi is popular among the local Emirati population and expatriates alike, thanks to their customer-focused approach and punctuality.
Orange Roof: Operated by Metro Taxi, providing regular taxi services similar to other franchises. Metro Taxi has a history of collaboration with the Dubai Metro, providing integrated travel solutions and easy connectivity between different modes of transport.
Pink Roof: These are dedicated Ladies and Families Taxis. The drivers are women, and they cater specifically to female passengers, families, and children, providing a more comfortable and secure option.
What Are The Different Types Of Taxi?
Dubai’s taxi fleet primarily consists of sedans and SUVs. These body styles are popular due to their versatility, comfort, and ability to accommodate passengers and luggage efficiently. Some of the most popular car models used as taxis in Dubai include:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Altima
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
Taxis in Dubai also include some cars specially designed for passengers with disabilities. These taxis are equipped with wheelchair access and other necessary features.
Dubai Taxi Fare Details
Dubai taxi fares are standardised and regulated by the RTA. The following are the key fare details:
General Taxi Fare:
- 6 AM – 10 PM: AED 5 starting fare
- 10 PM – 6 AM: AED 5.50 starting fare
- Booking & Distribution Fee: AED 10 – AED 12
- Per km Charge: AED 2.19
Airport Taxi Fare:
- Starting Fare: AED 25
- Per km Charge: AED 1.75
Limousine Taxi Fare:
- Airport Pickup: AED 25 starting fare, AED 3.67 per km
- Outside Airport: AED 7.5 starting fare, AED 3.67 per km
Limousine Rental Fare:
- 3 Hours: AED 400
- 6 Hours: AED 700
- 12 Hours: AED 1,200
- Extra Hours: AED 100 per hour
Hatta Taxi Fare:
- Per Person: AED 25 (7-seater vehicle)
Ladies & Family Taxi Fare:
- Airport Pickup: AED 25 starting fare, AED 2.33 per km
- 6 AM – 10 PM: AED 5 starting fare, AED 2.19 per km
- 10 PM – 6 AM: AED 5.50 starting fare, AED 2.19 per km
- Booking & Distribution Fee: AED 10 – AED 12
Taxi Fare for People of Determination:
- Airport Pickup: AED 25 starting fare, AED 2.33 per km
- Outside Airport:
- 6 AM – 10 PM: AED 5 starting fare
- 10 PM – 6 AM: AED 5.50 starting fare
- Booking & Distribution Fee: AED 10 – AED 12
Taxi Rental Fare:
- 6 Hours: AED 500
- 12 Hours: AED 1,800
In Safe Hands Taxi Fare:
- Starting Fare: AED 25
- Per km Charge: AED 3.67
- Waiting Charge: AED 0.50 per minute
- Salik & Extra Charges: Paid by the customer
Dubai Taxi Fare Calculator
You can estimate taxi fares using this formula:
- Base fare + (Per km charge × Distance) + (Per minute charge × Duration)
Example:
- Base Fare: AED 25
- Distance: 5 km
- Per km Charge: AED 2
- Total Fare: AED 25 + (5 × 2) = AED 35
- For accurate estimates, use the DTC fare calculator available on the DTC website.
Minimum Taxi Fare in Dubai:
- Minimum Fare: AED 12
- Per km Charge: AED 1.97
How To Book A Taxi In Dubai Via Phone?
Booking a taxi in Dubai is easy via phone. You can call the RTA’s Customer Service Centre at +971-4-208-0808. Provide your location details and a taxi will be dispatched to your address promptly.
What Are The Apps Used For Booking A Taxi In Dubai?
Dubai’s RTA has partnered with popular ride-hailing apps to offer convenient taxi booking:
- Hala on Careem: iOS & Android
- Uber: iOS & Android
- S’hail App: iOS & Android
- Blacklane: iOS & Android
- Dubai Taxi Corporation: iOS & Android
- Halaride: iOS & Android
- XXRide: iOS & Android
- Yango: iOS & Android
Payment Methods For A Taxi Service
Dubai’s taxi services offer a variety of payment methods to ensure convenience for all passengers. Here are the different payment options available:
- Cash
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Nol Card
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Careem Pay
- E-wallets
Additional Information For Taxi Users In Dubai
- Peak Hours: Expect delays and potential surcharges during rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM).
- Toll Charges: Salik tolls (AED 4) are added automatically if your route passes through a toll gate.
- Lost and Found: Contact RTA at +971-4-208-0808 or use their website if you forget items in a taxi.
- Seatbelt and Child Safety: Seatbelts are mandatory, and child booster seats are available upon request.
- No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all taxis.
- Driver Identification: Drivers display an ID card with their name and photo on the dashboard.
- Language: Most drivers speak basic English and fluent Arabic
- Night-Time Safety: Taxis are equipped with cameras, and drivers undergo regular checks for safety.
This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the necessary information to navigate Dubai’s taxi services efficiently and enjoy a comfortable travel experience in the city.
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FAQs
You can book a taxi by hailing one on the street, using the DTC App, or calling the Dubai Taxi Corporation at 80088088.
The minimum fare is AED 12, and there is an additional charge of AED 1.82 per kilometre. Waiting charges also apply.
Yes, Dubai taxis accept payments by cash, credit cards, and Nol cards.
Yes, there are Ladies’ and Families’ taxis driven by female drivers, catering exclusively to women and children.
Yes, there are taxis equipped for people of determination, and they can be booked via the DTC App or by calling 80088088.
Yes, the “My Driver” service offers professional DTC drivers to drive your car on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Baby car seats can be requested from the Dubai Airport taxi organizer when boarding from the airport.
Yes, DTC taxis are allowed to pick up passengers from Dubai and transport them anywhere in the UAE.
Taxis in Dubai operate 24/7, providing continuous service throughout the city.
You can use the Dubai Taxi Fare Calculator available on the DTC website or app to estimate your fare based on the distance and time of travel.
