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.

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is on track to reach a record Dh170 billion ($46.3 billion) by 2030, according to new research from global consultancy Grand View Research (GVR), solidifying the nation’s position as a key driver of the region’s AI revolution.

The study projects that the MENA AI market, valued at Dh43.7 billion ($11.9 billion) in 2023, will surge nearly 15-fold to Dh610 billion ($166.3 billion) by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 44.8%.

“The Middle East, and especially the UAE, is no longer just an adopter of global AI technologies – it’s shaping its own playbook,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research. 

“Sovereign funds, innovation hubs, and forward-thinking policies like the UAE’s Strategic Plan 2031 are turning the region into a global testbed for AI-driven growth.”

Nearly three in four UAE companies have maintained or increased AI investments this year, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and finance. The report highlights that AI in Healthcare is expected to grow from Dh709 million in 2023 to Dh5.39 billion by 2030, while legal AI is forecast to triple to Dh446 million in the same period.

GVR’s findings underline that the UAE is now leading real-world AI integration across smart cities, urban mobility, and public services, supported by advancements in 5G, cloud, and IoT technologies.

The full Grand View Research MENA AI Market Report details how policy, data, and innovation are converging to shape one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies.

We’ve all been there, out at a cafe, waiting at the airport, or shopping at a mall, when that “Free Wi-Fi” sign pops up, and we instinctively connect. But Dubai Police are warning residents to think twice before logging on.

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, can be a playground for hackers, especially when used for sensitive tasks like online banking or logging into personal accounts.

The Hidden Dangers Behind Free Wi-Fi

According to Dubai Police, many public networks are unsecured, meaning anyone nearby could intercept your data. Hackers can sneak in through these connections to:

• Steal passwords and personal information
• Install malware or spyware on your device
• Access sensitive files or financial details

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has echoed this warning, revealing that more than 12,000 cyber breaches in 2025 were linked to public Wi-Fi, roughly 35 per cent of all cyberattacks in the country this year.

What You Should Never Do on Public Wi-Fi

• Log in to your bank account or make online payments
• Share or change passwords
• Access sensitive company data

Smart Habits to Stay Protected

1. Use mobile data or a trusted private network for any sensitive work.
2. Verify the network’s name; fake hotspots often mimic legitimate ones.
3. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
4. Enable safe browsing features on your browser.
5. Keep software and antivirus tools updated.

For Businesses Too

Organisations are also urged to tighten cybersecurity. A single data breach could lead to legal liabilities, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

That free Wi-Fi may cost you more than you think. As Dubai Police put it, stay alert, stay secure, and think before you connect.