Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a dynamic fare system for taxis booked through smart apps, linking booking fees and minimum fares to the time of day. The changes, which took effect on Wednesday, apply to services booked via platforms like Careem (Hala), S’hail, Bolt, Zed, and the DTC Smart App. Passengers who hail a taxi directly from the street will not be affected, as their fare structure remains unchanged.
New Fare Structure for App Bookings
Under the new model, the minimum fare for a taxi booked through an app has increased from Dh12 to Dh13. The previous flat booking fees of Dh10 and Dh12 have been replaced with a time-based system. The booking fee is now Dh4.00 during off-peak hours and rises to Dh7.50 during peak times. The standard flag-fall, or base fare, remains Dh5.00 during the day and Dh5.50 at night, consistent with existing RTA rates.
The dynamic pricing model is designed to manage supply and demand more effectively. Higher booking fees during busy periods are intended to ensure more drivers are available, while lower fees during quieter hours aim to encourage app-based bookings.
Understanding Peak and Off-Peak Hours
The RTA has established clear time slots for the new fare system to provide transparency for passengers.
Monday to Thursday
- Peak Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Off-Peak Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Night Hours: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Friday
- The evening peak period is extended, running from 4:00 PM until midnight.
Fares for Street-Hailed Taxis
For passengers who prefer to flag a taxi on the street, the fare calculation remains the same. The minimum fare is still Dh12, which is slightly lower than the new minimum for app bookings. The base fare is Dh5.00 between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, and Dh5.50 at night from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The per-kilometre rate continues to fluctuate between Dh2.14 and Dh2.26, depending on monthly fuel price adjustments.
Special Fares and Additional Charges
Certain journeys and locations carry specific charges. Trips originating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) have a higher starting fare of Dh25. During major events, special flag-fall rates of Dh20 to Dh25 may apply at venues such as Expo City, Global Village, and the Dubai World Trade Centre to reflect traffic and high demand.
Additional costs include a Dh4 charge for each Salik toll gate passed and a waiting fee of Dh0.50 per minute when the vehicle is stationary. As an example, a 20-kilometre trip from Dubai International Airport to Dubai Marina, passing through one or two Salik gates, would typically cost between Dh60 and Dh70.
This revised fare system is part of the RTA’s wider strategy for smart mobility and data-driven transport management. By analysing booking patterns, the authority aims to improve driver distribution and reward off-peak travel. The move aligns Dubai’s taxi model with systems used in other major cities, making pricing more responsive to real-time conditions. This focus on intelligent infrastructure is seen across the emirate, including plans for DP World and Parkin to launch smart parking at Dubai’s top fresh food hub.
