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Dubai taxi fare changes you need to know: New e-booking rates are here

Published

4 weeks ago

November 6, 2025

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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.

Related Topics:Careem dubainews DubaiTaxi dubaitransport DubaiTravel Ebooking RTA smarttransport TaxiFareUpdate TaxiRates

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

Published

18 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

Published

19 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

Published

19 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.