Booking a taxi in the UAE has become the most effective way to secure a ride, as fewer drivers are stopping for passengers hailing from the roadside. While you can still flag down a cab, many drivers now prioritize picking up pre-booked passengers, which means you might see taxis pass by on their way to collect someone who reserved a ride in advance.
Taxi queues still exist at busy spots like malls, airports, hotels, and major attractions, but for most areas across the seven emirates, the best way to catch a cab is through various digital or phone booking channels. This guide will walk you through how to book a taxi in each emirate, ensuring you get where you need to go without any hassle.
How To Book Taxi in Abu Dhabi?
2 Easy Ways to Book a Taxi. In the UAE capital, there are 2 main ways to book a taxi:
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1- Phone Booking:
Dial 600535353 and follow the voice prompts. While this method is straightforward, it lacks real-time tracking, meaning you won’t be able to see your taxi’s location.
2- Online Booking:
Download the Abu Dhabi Taxi app and log in with your mobile number. This option offers several advantages: you can track your ride, estimate the fare, and choose from different taxi types (standard, family-sized, seven-seater, or one equipped for special needs).
Taxi Fare in Abu Dhabi
1- Standard Silver Taxis (6am to 10pm):
- Flag-down rate: Dh5
- Per km: Dh1.82
- Waiting time per minute: 50 fils
- Minimum fare: Dh12
- Booking fee: Dh4
2- Standard Silver Taxis (10pm to 6am):
- Flag-down rate: Dh5.50
- Per km: Dh1.82
- Waiting time per minute: 50 fils
- Minimum fare: Dh12
- Booking fee: Dh5
3- Airport Taxis:
- Flag-down rate (6am to 10pm): Dh20
- Flag-down rate (10pm to 6am): Dh20
- Per km: Dh1.82
- Waiting time per minute: 50 fils
- Booking fee: Dh4 (6am to 10pm), Dh5 (10pm to 6am)
How To Book Taxi in Dubai?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is leading the charge in digitizing taxi services. Street-hailing is being gradually phased out in favor of e-hailing. The RTA has partnered with Careem for taxi bookings.
- Download the Careem app on your smartphone.
- Choose the ‘Hala Taxi’ option from the main menu for cab rides.
Taxi Fare in Dubai
Flag-down rate: Dh12 (can rise to Dh20 in certain areas during major events).
How To Book Taxi in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, taxis are often readily available in busy areas, but if you’re in a quieter part of the emirate, you might need to book ahead:
- Phone Booking: Dial 600525252 to request a taxi.
- Online Booking: Register and book through the RTA Sharjah app or the authority’s official website.
Taxi Fare in Sharjah
- Minimum fare: Dh14 (subject to change based on monthly fuel price updates).
- Per km: Dh1.62
How To Book Taxi in Ajman?
Ajman residents and visitors have two primary options for booking taxis:
- Phone Booking: Call 600599997 to speak with a representative.
- Online Booking: Download the Route Ajman app for seamless online booking.
Taxi Fare in Ajman
- Minimum fare: Dh13
- Per km: Varies based on monthly fuel price updates.
How To Book Taxi in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah offers one of the most cost-effective taxi services in the UAE. To book a ride:
- Download the Sayr app and book your taxi online.
Taxi Fare in Ras Al Khaimah
- Flag-down rate (6am to 9.59pm): Dh4
- Flag-down rate (10pm to 5.59am): Dh5
- Flag-down rate for trips to other emirates: Dh15
- Per km: Dh1.88
- Waiting charge after the first five minutes: 50 fils per minute
- Minimum fare: Dh6
- Service fee per trip: Dh2
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book a taxi in Dubai?
You can book a taxi in Dubai through the Careem app by selecting the ‘Hala Taxi’ option. This allows you to request a cab easily from your smartphone.
What is the minimum taxi fare in Abu Dhabi?
The minimum taxi fare in Abu Dhabi is Dh12 during the day (6am to 10pm) and Dh12.50 at night (10pm to 6am).
Are taxi fares the same across all emirates in the UAE?
No, taxi fares vary across different emirates in the UAE. Each emirate has its own rates and flag-down charges.
How do I track my taxi ride in Abu Dhabi?
You can track your taxi ride in Abu Dhabi by using the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, which allows you to see your ride’s location in real-time and get an estimate of the fare.
What is the flag-down rate for taxis in Sharjah?
The flag-down rate for taxis in Sharjah is Dh14, although this may change depending on the monthly fuel price announcements.
Can I book a taxi in Ajman through an app?
Yes, you can book a taxi in Ajman through the Route Ajman app, which provides a convenient online booking option.
What is the best way to hail a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah?
The best way to hail a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah is by using the Sayr app, which offers a simple and efficient way to book a cab.
How does dynamic pricing affect taxi fares in Dubai?
Dynamic pricing in Dubai can increase the flag-down rate to as much as Dh20 in certain pick-up areas during major events or peak times, compared to the standard Dh12.
Is there a difference in taxi rates between day and night in the UAE?
Yes, taxi rates in the UAE often differ between day and night, with higher flag-down rates and fares during the night in most emirates.
Which taxi booking apps are available in the UAE?
Various taxi booking apps are available in the UAE, including Careem (for Dubai), Abu Dhabi Taxi app, Route Ajman, and Sayr (for Ras Al Khaimah). Each emirate may have its own designated app for booking taxis.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in the hustle and bustle of Dubai or the serene landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah booking a taxi in the UAE has never been easier. From phone bookings to advanced apps, each emirate offers its own set of tools to ensure you can get where you need to go quickly and efficiently. So, the next time you need a ride, skip the roadside wait and book your cab with just a few taps or a quick call.
