UAE Taxi: The Complete Guide to UAE Taxis
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 hours ago
- 15 min read
Think taxis in the Emirates are the same everywhere? They might seem similar, but each emirate has its own system, its own apps, and… its own hidden costs.
In this post, I'll show you how to avoid surprises: where it's better to pay with cash, when to avoid traveling between cities, and which app to always have at hand.
What do taxis look like in individual Emirates?
Although modern, air-conditioned vehicles (most often the reliable Toyota Camry hybrid) are standard across the UAE, each region has developed its own unique visual code.
This means you immediately know which operator you are using and whether you are getting into the right vehicle.
Dubai (RTA): The taxi industry has a color-coded taxi system. All taxis have cream-colored exteriors, and the color of the roof indicates the operator (red, blue, green, etc.).
Abu Dhabi (ITC/AD Mobility): Elegance reigns supreme in the capital – a silver body with a distinctive yellow roof badge and yellow stripe. If you see a black Mercedes Vito van, it's a luxury airport taxi.
Sharjah (SRTA): Vehicles are white with distinctive side stripes (usually yellow and green or with "Sharjah Taxi" branding). Interestingly, they do not use the colored roof system found in Dubai.
Ajman (TA): The fleet features modern "Route" branding. Vehicles are cream or silver with operator logos such as Platinum and Arabia Taxi.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAKTA): Here, you'll recognize taxis by their cream-colored bodywork with green and white accents, often with a prominent "Al Hamra" or "RAKTA" logo.
Fujairah and Umm Al-Qaiwain: In these emirates, light colours (white/cream) predominate, with the markings of local corporations, for example Fujairah Transport Corp.
What are the price lists and tariff system in the UAE?
Fares are strictly regulated by local transport authorities, meaning there's no room for negotiation (unless you encounter an illegal carrier, which I strongly advise against). However, fares aren't uniform across the country.
The fee structure is quite transparent. You pay a starting fee (also known as flagfall), a per-kilometer rate , and any time-based fees for waiting in traffic jams.
It is worth knowing that Dubai and Sharjah have the most complex systems with dynamic surcharges during peak hours (especially when booking via the app).
In the northern emirates (Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah), prices are usually lower and more stable, although Ajman has introduced an interesting system of variable tariffs, depending on monthly fuel prices.
What are the differences between taxi systems in the emirates?
The devil is in the details, and in this case, the technology and systems integration. The main difference lies in the degree of digitization of services.
Dubai (Hala) and Ras Al Khaimah (Hala/Sayr) are fully integrated with the powerful Careem app, allowing you to book a car with just one click.
Abu Dhabi has opted for its own dedicated app. In Fujairah and UAQ, the most effective method is still the traditional "street grab" or calling a hotline, although 2025 will bring significant changes in digitalization.
Importantly, you need to remember about border surcharges . Sharjah and Ajman charge an additional 20 AED (approximately 22 PLN / 5 EUR) for each journey that ends in another emirate (the so-called cross-border fee).
In Ras Al Khaimah, the fee is AED 15 (approximately PLN 16.50 / EUR 3.75) . In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, these fees are less frequent or structured differently, for example through the Salik toll gate system.
Comparison of taxi systems in individual Emirates
Below, I've prepared an in-depth analysis of the taxi market for each emirate. You'll find information about operators, fleet specifications, technologies, and detailed price lists converted to Polish złoty and euros to help you plan your budget.
1. Dubai (Dubai)
Dubai is a technological leader in the region. The system, managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) , is fully integrated with mobile apps (Hala/Careem), offering dynamic pricing and real-time tracking.
The fleet is uniform (cream bodywork), and you can distinguish operators by the colors of their roofs:
Red (DTC - government), Blue/Purple (Kabi/Cars Taxi), Green (Arabia Taxi), Yellow (National Taxi). Payment by card or NOL is standard here in every vehicle.
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025) |
Entry fee (Street) | 5.00 AED (approx. 5.50 PLN / 1.25 EUR) – Day / 5.50 AED (approx. 6 PLN / 1.40 EUR) – Night |
Entry fee (Application) | Up to 12.00 AED (approx. 13.20 PLN / 3 EUR) during peak hours (Dynamic) |
Rate per 1 km | approx. 2.19 - 2.26 AED (approx. 2.40-2.50 PLN / 0.55-0.57 EUR) |
Minimum fee | 12.00 AED (approx. 13.20 PLN / 3 EUR) – Street / 13.00 AED (approx. 14.30 PLN / 3.25 EUR) – App |
Departure from the airport (DXB/DWC) | 25.00 AED (approx. 27.50 PLN / 6.25 EUR) – Fixed fee |
Salik (Goals) | + 4.00 AED (approx. 4.40 PLN / 1 EUR) for each gate (added to the counter) |
Main Application | Careem (Hala service), S'hail, DTC App |
2. Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
The UAE capital has a system overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) , now branded AD Mobility . The fleet consists primarily of silver Toyota Camry hybrids with yellow lettering.
UnlikeDubai , the system is more visually uniform, with luxury airport vans being black. Interestingly, there's no Salik toll gate system inside taxis (Darb tolls are regulated differently).
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025) |
Entry fee (Day) | 5.00 AED (approx. PLN 5.50 / EUR 1.25) – (6:00 - 22:00) |
Entry fee (Night) | 5.50 AED (approx. PLN 6 / EUR 1.40) – (22:00 - 6:00) |
Reservation fee | 4.00 AED (approx. 4.40 PLN / 1 EUR) – Day / 5.00 AED (approx. 5.50 PLN / 1.25 EUR) – Night |
Rate per 1 km | AED 1.82 (approx. PLN 2.00 / EUR 0.45) |
Minimum fee | 12.00 AED (approx. PLN 13.20 / EUR 3) |
Take off from the airport (AUH) | 20.00 AED (approx. 22 PLN / 5 EUR) – Standard / 25.00 AED (approx. 27.50 PLN / 6.25 EUR) – Van |
Main Application | Abu Dhabi Taxi App |
3. Sharjah
This system, operated by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) , handles the massive daily commute of workers to Dubai. Taxis are typically white or cream with side stripes.
A key element to remember is the border surcharge – any journey ending outside Sharjah (e.g., Dubai) automatically adds 20 AED (approximately 22 PLN / 5 EUR) . While terminals are being rolled out, cash is still the most reliable currency here .
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025) |
Entry fee (Day) | 3.00 - 4.00 AED (approx. PLN 3.30-4.40 / EUR 0.75-1) |
Entry fee (Night) | 4.00 - 6.00 AED (approx. PLN 4.40-6.60 / EUR 1-1.50) |
Distance rate | 0.25 AED for 155m -> approx. 1.61 AED (approx. 1.80 PLN / 0.40 EUR) per km |
Minimum fee | 10.00 AED (approx. PLN 11 / EUR 2.50) |
Takeoff from the airport (SHJ) | 20.00 AED (approx. PLN 22 / EUR 5) |
Departure surcharge | 20.00 AED (approx. PLN 22 / EUR 5) (e.g. course to Dubai) |
Main Application | Digital Sharjah/Call Center 600525252 |
4. Ajman
The smallest emirate surprises with a very modern system managed by the Ajman Transport Authority (TA) .
It is distinguished by its price flexibility – the rate per kilometre is adjusted monthly based on fuel prices.
The taxi branding is unified, with vehicles often bearing the "Platinum Taxi" or "Arabia Taxi" logo.
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025) |
Entry fee | approx. 3.50 AED (approx. 3.85 PLN / 0.90 EUR) |
Rate per 1 km | approx. 1.77 AED (approx. 1.95 PLN / 0.44 EUR) – variable fuel |
Minimum fee | 10.00 AED (approx. PLN 11 / EUR 2.50) |
Departure surcharge | 20.00 AED (approx. 22 PLN / 5 EUR) – when leaving for Sharjah/Dubai |
Main Application | Route App, AjmanOne |
5. Ras Al Khaimah (Ras Al Khaimah - RAK)
This tourist emirate, managed by the RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) , focuses on innovation.
It offers, among other things, shared taxis for long routes and full integration with Careem (Hala).
The "Sharing Taxi" option allows you to purchase just one seat in a taxi on routes to other emirates or to the airport (e.g. for 25 AED - approx. 27.50 PLN / 6.25 EUR), which is a great budget option.
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025) |
Entry fee (Day) | 4.00 AED (approx. PLN 4.40 / EUR 1) |
Entry fee (Night) | 5.00 AED (approx. PLN 5.50 / EUR 1.25) |
Rate per 1 km | AED 1.83 (approx. PLN 2.00 / EUR 0.46) |
Minimum fee | 6.00 AED (approx. PLN 6.60 / EUR 1.50) |
Departure surcharge | 15.00 AED (approx. PLN 16.50 / EUR 3.75) |
Main Application | Careem (Hala), Sayr |
6. Fujairah
The mountainous emirate on the east coast has a system overseen by the Fujairah Transport Corporation . The fleet is dominated by franchisees (primarily Platinum Taxi) with modern hybrids.
The specific nature of the region makes it more difficult to find a taxi "off the street" at night – I strongly recommend booking by phone or using the newly implemented options on Careem.
Parameter | Tariff Details (2025 - estimated) |
Entry fee | 3.00 - 4.00 AED (approx. PLN 3.30-4.40 / EUR 0.75-1) |
Rate per 1 km | approx. 1.50 - 2.00 AED (approx. 1.65-2.20 PLN / 0.38-0.50 EUR) |
Take-off from the airport | Metered (usually no fixed surcharge like in DXB) |
Transfer to Dubai | approx. 280 - 340 AED (approx. 308-374 PLN / 70-85 EUR) - according to the meter |
Main Application | Careem (phased rollout), Call Center |
7. Umm Al-Quwain (Umm Al Quwain - UAQ)
The smallest taxi market, operated by the UAQ Transport Authority , serves mainly local residents.
The system is the least digitized, though it's slowly catching up with its neighbors. Reservations are primarily made by phone, and cash payment is highly recommended.
Parameter | Tariff Details |
Entry fee | 3.00 - 4.00 AED (approx. PLN 3.30-4.40 / EUR 0.75-1) |
Rate per 1 km | Close to Ajman (approx. 1.70-1.80 AED / ~1.90-2.00 PLN) |
Minimum fee | 10.00 AED (approx. PLN 11 / EUR 2.50) |
Main method | Telephone / Taxi stand |
Taxi system in the UAE
The entire system operates on a federal model. This means that while safety and quality standards are stringent nationwide, each emirate has its own regulatory body (RTA in Dubai, ITC in Abu Dhabi, etc.). There's no monopoly of a single company, but rather a licensing system overseen by the government.
The market giant is Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) , but alongside it there are private (franchise) operators such as National Taxi , Cars Taxi (Kabi) , Arabia Taxi and Platinum Taxi .
Companies operate in multiple emirates simultaneously, but are always subject to the regulations of the emirate where the vehicle is registered.
Regulation and supervision of taxi services
Passenger safety is a top priority. Every vehicle is monitored by GPS, and in-vehicle cameras (CCTV) are standard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
They serve not only safety, but also quality control – bodies such as RTA and RAKTA regularly audit drivers, checking, for example, whether they are overtired.
Taxis available 24/7 in the UAE
Taxis in the UAE operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Availability is excellent in major cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah).
However, it is worth being aware of critical times, such as driver changeover times (usually around 4:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) and Friday evenings , when catching a car may take a little longer.
In smaller emirates (UAQ, Fujairah), finding a taxi on the street at night can be a challenge, so always have the hotline number handy.
Types of taxis and services available in the UAE
The transportation options in the United Arab Emirates are much wider than just a standard sedan.
Hala Taxi – ordering via app and phone
The Hala service (a joint venture between Careem and RTA) has revolutionized the market, especially in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
It allows you to order the nearest government-issued taxi (with a meter) via the app. The biggest advantage? You know the estimated cost (upfront pricing) and see the driver's route.
Pink Taxi – safe rides for women and families
These are special taxis (often with a pink roof in Dubai or pink accents in other emirates) driven exclusively by women.
They are available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and RAK. The rule is simple: only women and families can use them. Single men will not be accepted.
Airport Taxi - Special Fares and Starting Fees
All UAE airports (DXB, AUH, SHJ, RKT, FJR) have dedicated fleets, often with spacious vans. However, you'll incur a higher departure fee:
Dubai (DXB/DWC): AED 25 (approx. PLN 27.50 / EUR 6.25).
Abu Dhabi (AUH): AED 20-25 (approx. PLN 22-27.50 / EUR 5-6.25).
Sharjah (SHJ) and Ras Al Khaimah (RKT): AED 20 (approx. PLN 22 / EUR 5).
Taxi Roof Colors – How to Identify the Vehicle Type
This unique visual coding system is mainly specific to Dubai , but it's worth knowing when traveling in the UAE so you know where you're boarding:
Red: Dubai Taxi Corp (government).
Blue/Purple: Cars Taxi / Kabi (private).
Green: Arabia Taxi (private, eco-friendly).
Yellow: National Taxi (private).
Orange: Metro Taxi (private).
Pink: Ladies Taxi.
In other emirates (e.g. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), the distinction is usually made by the logo on the side doors and the body colour remains uniform.
UAE taxi booking apps
The digital landscape in 2025 is very developed, although applications vary in scope.
RTA Smart Taxi / S'hail: Dubai's official apps. S'hail is a great trip planner that integrates metro, tram, and taxi services.
Careem: The region's most important app (dubbed the "Middle Eastern Uber"), it operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and RAK. It offers both budget-friendly Hala Taxi and more expensive Careem Economy/Comfort options.
Uber: Available primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the UAE, Uber positions itself as a premium service (Lexuses, Teslas) and typically doesn't offer "regular" metered taxis on the same scale as Careem. Prices are dynamic and about 20-30% higher.
Bolt: A new player on the market (entry 2024/2025), competing with aggressive promotions, mainly in Dubai.
Local Apps: Abu Dhabi Taxi App, Route App (Ajman), Sayr (RAK), Digital Sharjah.
Taxi fares and prices in the Emirates
When planning your budget, it is worth being aware of the differences in starting and mileage rates.
Taxi price list - day and night rates
Emirate | Start Fee (Day) | Start Fee (Night) | Rate per 1 km | Minimum |
Dubai | 5 AED (~5.5 PLN / 1.25 EUR) street / 12 AED (~13 PLN / 3 EUR) app | 5.5 AED (~6 PLN / 1.4 EUR) | ~1.97-2.19 AED | 12 AED (~13 PLN / 3 EUR) |
Abu Dhabi | 5.50 AED (~6 PLN / 1.4 EUR) | 5.50 AED (~6 PLN / 1.4 EUR) | 1.82 AED | 12 AED (~13 PLN / 3 EUR) |
Sharjah | 3-4 AED (~3.3-4.4 PLN / 0.7-1 EUR) | 4-6 AED (~4.4-6.6 PLN / 1-1.5 EUR) | ~1.61 AED | 10-14 AED (~11-15.5 PLN / 2.5-3.5 EUR) |
Ajman | 3.5 AED (~3.85 PLN / 0.9 EUR) | 4 AED (~4.4 PLN / 1 EUR) | ~1.77 AED | 10 AED (~11 PLN / 2.5 EUR) |
CANCER | 4 AED (~4.4 PLN / 1 EUR) | 5 AED (~5.5 PLN / 1.25 EUR) | 1.83 AED | 6 AED (~6.6 PLN / 1.5 EUR) |
The impact of rush hour on travel prices
Dubai has introduced dynamic entry fees for ordering via the app (Hala).
During peak hours (e.g. 8:00-10:00, 16:00-20:00) the fee for just the pick-up may increase to AED 12 (approx. PLN 13.20 / EUR 3) .
In other emirates, there is usually a fixed meter, but traffic jams still affect the final cost through the "waiting time" (approx. AED 0.50 , or 55 groszy / 12 euro cents per minute of waiting).
Dynamic tariffs in mobile applications
Please note that Uber and Careem (limo option, not Hala) use surge pricing during high demand.
This could mean a 1.5x or 2.0x price increase on New Year's Eve or during a downpour. Regular metered taxis don't have a price multiplier per kilometer—only a higher starting fee.
Payment for UAE taxi rides
Card payment, Apple Pay and Google Pay
In 2025, cashless payments will be standard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
You'll find POS terminals in almost every vehicle. The situation is somewhat different in Sharjah – although the implementation of terminals is underway, there are still some taxis that only accept cash.
Therefore, in Sharjah, Fujairah and UAQ it is always worth having banknotes with you.
Possibility to use the NOL card in taxis
The NOL card (the same one you use on the Dubai Metro) works as payment in every taxi in Dubai . Unfortunately, it's useless in other emirates.
Abu Dhabi has its own Hafilat card, but taxis there usually accept bank cards or cash.
Driver Tipping Customs
Tipping is not mandatory, but is highly appreciated and is an important part of a driver's income.
It is common practice to round the amount to the nearest whole 5 or 10 AED (e.g. if the bill is 23 AED, you give 25 AED – the difference is approximately 2.20 PLN / 0.50 EUR).
In apps, you can also tip digitally after your ride.
UAE Taxi and other means of transport in the United Arab Emirates
Wondering if a taxi is the best choice? Let's look at the alternatives.
Metro comparison: The Dubai Metro is unbeatable in terms of price ( AED 3-10 – approximately PLN 3.30-11 / EUR 0.75-2.50) and time during peak hours. However, taxis win out when traveling in a group (cost per person drops), with luggage, or traveling to destinations further from the station.
Comparison with buses: Intercity buses are very cheap (e.g., 25-30 AED – approximately 27.50-33 PLN / 6.25-7.50 EUR from Dubai to RAK) but slow. Taxis between the emirates are much faster (no stops) but expensive (Dubai-Abu Dhabi costs around 250-350 AED , which is approximately 275-385 PLN / 62-87 EUR). Taxis offer irreplaceable door-to-door comfort.
Compared to renting a car: Renting is cost-effective for long journeys and exploring multiple emirates. The cost per day (around AED 100-150 – PLN 110-165 / EUR 25-37) is often equivalent to a single, longer taxi ride. Taxis are better for short stays when you don't want to worry about expensive parking and aggressive driving on highways.
Compared to GetTransfer: Services like GetTransfer offer a fixed price for long journeys (e.g., Dubai to Fujairah). This is often cheaper and more reliable than a metered taxi, which will charge you traffic and cross-border fees.
Comparison with electric scooters: Scooters (Tier, Lime) are great for the "last mile" in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They're cheaper than taxis for distances up to 2-3 km. Beyond that distance, in hot weather, an air-conditioned taxi is unbeatable.
Limousine comparison: Taxi (Toyota Camry) is a clean, reliable, and affordable option. Limousines (Lexus, Tesla) available through Uber/Careem Business are about 30-50% more expensive, but offer a higher standard, better soundproofing, and a more prestigious feel.
Compared to illegal taxis: In the UAE (especially at airports and in Sharjah), you may encounter touts offering "cheap transportation." Be warned: these are illegal services. You risk uninsured accidents, price gouging, and problems with the police. Always use official, marked vehicles.
It's your turn! Knowing these rules and the actual costs in Polish złoty will make getting around the UAE simple and enjoyable.
Whether you choose a colorful taxi in Dubai or a silver one in Abu Dhabi, you already know what to expect. Have a nice trip!
FAQ: Taxis in the UAE and Dubai - A Practical Traveler's Guide
The following list is the essence of knowledge about taxi transport in the Emirates, prepared so that you can find answers to your questions in just a few dozen seconds.
Can you pay by card in taxis in the UAE? Yes, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, terminals are standard, but in Sharjah, Fujairah, and UAE, I recommend carrying cash.
Does Uber operate in the Emirates? Yes, but it mainly offers more expensive limousine rides (Lexus/Tesla); a cheaper alternative to hailing regular taxis is the Careem app.
How much does a door slam (entry fee) cost? Depending on the emirate and time of day, the fee ranges from AED 3 (approximately PLN 3.30) to AED 5.50 (approximately PLN 6), and if ordered through the app in Dubai, it can rise to AED 12 (approximately PLN 13).
Are taxis in the UAE safe? Yes, the system is very secure thanks to GPS monitoring and CCTV cameras inside the vehicles (standard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah).
What do the roof colors of taxis in Dubai mean? The roof color identifies the operator (e.g., red is for government-owned DTC and blue is for Cars Taxi), but the fares are the same for all.
Are tips for drivers mandatory? They aren't mandatory, but it's customary to round the bill to the nearest 5 or 10 AED.
What is a Pink Taxi? These are taxis with a pink roof or markings, driven by women and exclusively for women and families.
Can I pay with my NOL City Card in a taxi? Yes, but only in taxis registered in Dubai; the NOL card will not work in other emirates.
How much does a taxi cost from the airport? Departures from the airport incur a higher initial fee, typically ranging from AED 20 to 25 (approximately PLN 22–27.50).
Can I negotiate the fare? No, all legal taxis are equipped with taximeters and travel solely according to the meter reading.
Why is it more expensive to travel from Sharjah to Dubai? Sharjah and Ajman add an additional border fee of AED 20 (approximately PLN 22) for each journey ending in another emirate.
Do taxis run at night? Yes, taxis in the UAE run 24/7, although in smaller emirates (e.g., Fujairah) it's better to order them by phone at night.
What is the average rate per kilometer? The rate ranges from approximately AED 1.60 in Sharjah to approximately AED 2.26 in Dubai (approximately PLN 1.80–2.50 per km).
What is Hala? It's a feature in the Careem app that lets you order official Dubai taxis with a pre-defined estimated fare.
Are tolls (Salik) included in the price? In Dubai, the Salik toll (AED 4) is automatically added to the passenger meter; in Abu Dhabi, the toll system works differently and does not directly charge the meter.
Is it easy to get a taxi during rush hour? During shift times (around 4:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) and on Friday evenings, the availability of taxis on the street may be limited, so it's worth using an app.
Is it worth taking a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? It's convenient but expensive (around AED 250–350 / PLN 275–385); a cheaper alternative is the Intercity bus.
How to spot an illegal taxi? Avoid unmarked cars and people who accost you in airport terminals offering "cheap transportation" without a meter.
Do taxis have child seats? Standard taxis don't have them, but you can order a "Hala Kids" version in Dubai or a "Family Taxi" in other emirates.
Is Uber in the UAE more expensive than a regular taxi? Yes, Uber in the UAE is a premium service and typically costs 20-30% more than a standard metered taxi.
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