Dubai is a city that never stops. Huge malls, business districts, tourist areas, exhibition centres – everything is constantly buzzing. As a result, most residents and visitors choose to take a taxi. To be honest, it is the fastest and most convenient way to get anywhere here. And there is a lot of competition: from official state-owned cars to the popular Careem and Uber apps, plus a number of private operators.
Overview of the taxi market in Dubai
Let’s start with the basics. There are several categories of services operating in Dubai:
- Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) is a state-owned corporation. It is the largest operator with thousands of cars. They are easily recognisable by their red roofs and the official Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) logo. The cars are located at airports, malls and hotels.
- Careem – an Arab app that has become a real competitor to Uber. It works with different categories of cars – from budget to business class.
- Uber – an international service familiar to travellers around the world. Its advantage is its familiar interface and uniform quality standards.
- Hala Taxi is a joint project between Careem and DTC. With the Careem app, you can call an official state taxi.
- There are dozens of private companies: Arabia Taxi, National Taxi, Metro Taxi, City Taxi Dubai and others. Each operates under an RTA licence, and the fares are roughly the same for all of them.
Now about the differences. State taxis always run on a meter: the cost is transparent, fixed, with official rates. Apps like Uber and Careem use dynamic pricing. During rush hour or when demand is high, the price may be higher. On the other hand, you can see the approximate cost in advance and choose the class of car. Private companies have rules closer to DTC, but sometimes it is more convenient to make reservations by phone or use their 24-hour call centres.
Comparison table of popular operators
To make it easier to navigate, here is a table with the main market players:
| Provider | Booking Method | Starting Fare (AED) | Payment Options | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Taxi Corporation | Street hail, DTC app, airport stands | 12 (25 from airport) | Cash, Card, NOL card | Government-regulated, largest fleet |
| Careem | Mobile app | Depends on car type | Cash, Card, Wallet | Multiple car categories, trip scheduling |
| Uber | Mobile app | Dynamic pricing | Card, Wallet | International brand, Premium and XL options |
| Hala Taxi (via Careem) | Careem app | Same as DTC | Cash, Card | Hybrid: government taxis via app |
| City Taxi Dubai | Phone | Metered | Cash, Card | 24/7 call center, reliable service |
| Arabia Taxi | Street hail, Phone | Metered | Cash, Card | Popular in tourist districts |
| National Taxi | Street hail, Phone | Metered | Cash, Card | Large operator, wide availability |
| Metro Taxi | Street hail, Phone | Metered | Cash, Card | Strong coverage across the city |
This table is not exhaustive – there are more companies. But these are the ones you will encounter most often.
Profiles of the main taxi providers
To better navigate Dubai’s transport system, it is important to know each major player ‘by sight’. Each company has its own specifics: in some places, it is easier to hail a taxi directly from the street, in others, it is more advantageous to order through an app, and in others, there are special services that competitors do not offer.
Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC)
This is the heart of Dubai’s taxi system. The corporation was founded a long time ago and reports directly to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The cars are instantly recognisable: light-coloured bodies and roofs of different colours (red, blue, green – these are zones or features).
Important information:
- The fleet consists of thousands of cars and operates 24/7.
- Women’s taxis – pink roofs, female drivers. This service is especially appreciated by female tourists travelling alone and families with children.
- Taxis for people with special needs – spacious cars adapted for wheelchairs.
- Transparent prices – the meter is always on. The base fare in the city is 12 AED, at the airport – 25 AED.
Finding a DTC is easy: there are stands at both airports, near the largest malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates), and in car parks near hotels. You can book a car in advance using the DTC Smart Taxi app, although many people still hail them the old-fashioned way – by simply raising their hand.
Careem
Careem is a brand that originated in the Middle East. It is essentially the equivalent of Uber, but with local features. The main advantage is the multi-level car category system. You can choose an economy option for short trips or business class if you need comfort.
- categories: Economy, Business, Max (minivans for groups of up to 6 people);
- planning service – you can schedule a trip for a specific time;
- integration with Hala Taxi – government cars can be called through the same app.
Careem prices depend on the type of car and the time of day. During rush hour, the cost increases, but the app shows an approximate amount in advance. Payment can be made in cash, by card or via Careem Wallet.
Uber
Uber is a familiar name to any tourist. The interface is the same as in New York, Paris or Kyiv. For many, this is a huge plus: no need to figure out a new app.
Features:
- Surge pricing. On Friday evenings or during rush hour, the price can be 1.5–2 times higher than usual.
- Premium categories: Uber Premium, Uber XL. Convenient for business trips or large groups.
- Transparent navigation – the app shows the route, time and cost.
Sometimes Uber in Dubai is more expensive than an official taxi. But many tourists choose it precisely because of its familiarity and the convenience of cashless payment.
Hala Taxi (via Careem)
This is a ‘hybrid’ model. Essentially, these are the same Dubai Taxi Corporation cars, but you can order them through the Careem app. That is, you get a state taxi, but with the convenience of a mobile interface.
Pros:
- same rates as DTC;
- convenient to call through the app;
- you can pay with cash or card.
This is a good option for those who don’t want to look for a free car on the street.
Other companies
In addition to the ‘big three’ and Hala Taxi, there are dozens of licensed operators in the city. The most well-known are:
- City Taxi Dubai – reliable vehicles, 24-hour call centre, convenient for old-fashioned phone calls;
- Arabia Taxi – popular with tourists, especially in the Deira and Bur Dubai areas;
- National Taxi – one of the largest private operators;
- Metro Taxi – active in areas near metro stations, convenient for picking up a ride.
All of them use the meter, and prices are regulated by the RTA.
Taxi prices in Dubai
Now for the most important thing that concerns any passenger: how much does the ride cost?
- The minimum fare is 12 AED in the city and 25 AED at the airport.
- The rate per kilometre is on average 2-2.5 AED. If there is traffic, an hourly rate is applied – approximately 0.5 AED per minute of downtime.
- Night surcharges – from midnight to 6 a.m., the fare is 5-7 AED more expensive.
- Trips from the airport – a fixed surcharge of 25 AED is added to the meter.
A trip from the airport to Dubai Mall will cost approximately 60-70 AED. If you take an Uber during rush hour, it can be 90-100 AED. And on Careem Economy during off-peak hours, it’s about 55-65 AED.
An interesting point: in Dubai, it is more profitable to travel in a group. If four people share the cost of a minivan, the price per person is even lower than the metro or bus.
Ways to order a taxi in Dubai
When it comes to calling a taxi, many people can only think of two options: either hail a car on the street or open an app. In Dubai, there are a few more options.
Hailing on the street
This is the classic option. You can hail a Dubai Taxi Corporation car with a wave of your hand in almost any part of the city. It is important to remember that if the green light on the roof is on, the car is available. Red means it is occupied. In tourist areas such as Downtown or near Marina Walk, available taxis can be found every few minutes.
But there is a caveat: during rush hour or near large events (such as concerts at the Coca-Cola Arena), there may not be any available cars. Therefore, it is not always convenient to rely on this.
Telephone services
Many private operators, including City Taxi Dubai, National Taxi and Arabia Taxi, still take orders through call centres. For the older generation and those who are not familiar with apps, this is a lifesaver. Just call, give the address, and the car will arrive.
Mobile apps
There are three leaders here: Careem, Uber and DTC Smart Taxi.
Careem – flexibility: you can choose the type of car, plan your trip in advance, and link your card.
Uber – a familiar interface for tourists, especially those who have already used the service in other countries.
DTC Smart Taxi – the official app of the state corporation. The interface is simple, without any ‘frills’, but it works stably and shows accurate fares.
Online pre-order
On the website taxi-dubai.ae, you can leave a request and choose the appropriate travel option. This method is especially convenient for those visiting the city for the first time: you can place your order before you arrive, and the driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign.
Tips for choosing a taxi in Dubai
Many tourists think, ‘What’s there to choose? Just get in and go.’ But in practice, the little things matter a lot. Here are a few recommendations to help you save money and avoid stress.
- Always check the meter. In official taxis, it turns on automatically, but it’s better to double-check. There are rare situations when the driver forgets to press the button, and then there is a misunderstanding at the end of the trip.
- For group trips, take a minivan. Careem Max or Uber XL can comfortably accommodate 5-6 people. If you split the cost, it works out cheaper than taking two separate cars.
- Apps are more convenient for tourists. Why? Because you can see the price in advance, plan your route directly on your phone and avoid language misunderstandings.
- During rush hour, book in advance. Traffic jams occur in the morning from 7 to 9 and in the evening from 5 to 8. At these times, it is better to call a car 15-20 minutes before departure. Careem and Uber allow you to set the time of your trip.
- Choose the right operator for the situation. If you need a guaranteed fixed rate and simplicity, choose DTC. If you want comfort and a choice of cars, choose Careem. For those who prefer a familiar interface, choose Uber.
One more thing: in Dubai, it is not customary to haggle with taxi drivers. All prices are regulated by the RTA, and even private companies have the same rates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Which taxi in Dubai is the cheapest? –
Dubai Taxi Corporation remains the most budget-friendly option. Their cars operate at official rates: the minimum fare is 12 AED in the city and 25 AED at the airport. Uber and Careem may be more expensive due to dynamic pricing.
- Can I pay for the ride with a card?
Yes. Almost all DTC cars are equipped with card terminals. With Uber and Careem, payment is made through the app by default. Even private operators such as Arabia Taxi have gradually switched to cashless payments.
- Is Uber cheaper than Dubai Taxi?
Not always. During quiet times, Uber can be more expensive. This is especially noticeable during surge pricing, when the price increases due to high demand. But Uber has promotions and discounts, as well as premium car categories that DTC does not have.
- How do I order a taxi at Dubai Airport?
The easiest option is to go to the Dubai Taxi Corporation counter. Cars are located right at the terminal exit. If you want convenience, you can book Uber or Careem in advance: the driver will meet you with a sign. You can also pre-book at taxi-dubai.ae, and the driver will be waiting at the exit.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city where taxis have become part of everyday life. Want to get from the airport to the city centre quickly? Take DTC. If you need a convenient app and a choice of classes, go to Careem. If you are used to Uber, no problem, the service works flawlessly here.
In fact, the choice depends only on your priorities: minimum price, premium comfort or a familiar interface.
And since you’re here, you can place your order right away at taxi-dubai.ae. A couple of clicks and your driver is already on the way. Fast, convenient and without unnecessary conversation.