You may no longer be able to hail roadside taxis in Dubai soon

Make sure to download your Careem App soon…

The classic Dubai RTA taxis have been noticeably in higher demand in recent months, which has made catching a cab that bit trickier. But picking up a taxi at the side of the road may be coming to an end soon, ass Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is aiming for 80 per cent of taxi bookings to be made via the Hala (Careem) App.

The transition towards predominantly using online booking platforms will be met with designated zones created for e-hailing services as well as more parking spaces for those areas where street-side and e-hailing taxis are in high demand.

This will hopefully see waiting times reduced to less than three minutes, reduce taxi wasted mileage, and reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority stated that the Hala/ Careem app was used for nearly one-third of all taxi trips in the emirate during 2022, displaying our natural transition towards online taxi booking services.

In a press release, Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA’s Director-General said, “The expansion of taxi e-hail services, as opposed to street hailing, reinforces the government’s goal of transforming Dubai into the world’s smartest city. E-hailing has emerged as the most efficient means of matching taxi supply with demand and providing customers with hassle-free, efficient taxi services.”

“By focusing on improving individual mobility, we can decrease dependence on private cars, foster happiness among residents, deliver outstanding services to visitors and boost customer satisfaction,” he added.

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