If you’re someone who frequently uses taxis in Dubai, listen up. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has just announced some important updates to cab fares when you book via smart apps like Careem.
The minimum fare for e-booked rides has now gone up from Dh12 to Dh13. But don’t worry, if you flag down a cab on the street, these new rates won’t affect you.
Plus, there are new booking fees that change depending on whether it’s peak, off-peak, or night hours, and they vary by day of the week. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Monday to Thursday Rates
• Peak hours (8am-9:59am, 4pm-7:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5
• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4
• Night hours (5:59pm-10pm): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5
Friday Rates
• Peak (8am-9:59am, 4pm-9:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5
• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4
• Night (Midnight-5:59am): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5
Saturday and Sunday Rates
• Peak (4pm-9:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh7.5
• Late night peak (10pm-11:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5.5
• Off-peak (6am-7:59am, 10am-3:59pm): Minimum fare Dh5, Booking fee Dh4
• Night (Midnight-5:59am): Minimum fare Dh5.5, Booking fee Dh4.5
Benefit for travellers
The revised taxi fare system is part of RTA’s broader move toward smart mobility and data-driven transport management.
By analysing booking patterns and demand peaks across the city, the authority has developed a model that encourages travel during off-peak hours and ensures better distribution of drivers throughout Dubai.
The new system also brings greater transparency for riders. Instead of fixed surcharges that often didn’t reflect real-time demand, fares will now adjust dynamically, rising during busy morning and evening periods, and becoming more affordable during mid-day and late-night hours.
What changes for commuters?
For users booking through taxi apps, fares will now vary slightly depending on when they book, lower during quieter times and higher when demand surges. For passengers hailing taxis on the street, fares remain unchanged.
The shift aligns Dubai’s fare structure with global smart-transport models focused on transparency, fairness, and efficiency. With this update, Dubai’s taxis are now more responsive to real-world demand, ensuring smoother operations and better service availability throughout the day.
So, if you rely on booking rides through apps, make sure you’re ready for these new fare changes. They’re designed to keep the taxi service running smoothly during busy times.
