Dubai RTA announces taxi fare hike, surges booking fees for peak and night trips. Image: AI Representaive Image.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has unveiled a revamped taxi fare structure applicable immediately to all smart app bookings and regular city taxis. The updated fare schedule introduces higher minimum charges and booking fees tailored to different times of the day and days of the week, aiming to streamline pricing and enhance service quality across the emirate.Under the new fare system, taxi rides booked via e-hailing platforms such as Hala and Careem now carry a minimum fare of AED 13, up from the previous AED 12. The booking fees and starting fares (flagfall) fluctuate by peak, off-peak, and night-time windows.
Dubai taxi fare surge: Minimum, peak, and night charges
Peak HoursFrom Monday to Thursday, peak hours are set between 8 am and 9:59 am and later from 4 pm to 7:59 pm. During these time slots, passengers face a booking fee of AED 7.50 alongside a flagfall charge of AED 5. On Fridays, peak hours extend to 9:59 pm, with the same booking fee and starting fare. Meanwhile, Friday’s late evenings between 10 pm and 11:59 pm see a slightly increased flagfall fare of AED 5.50, with the booking fee maintained at AED 7.50.Off-Peak and Night FaresOutside peak times on weekdays, from 6 am to 7:59 am and 10 am to 3:59 pm, the booking fee drops to AED 4 while the flagfall fare remains AED 5. Night-time travel, defined as between 10 pm and 5:59 am, carries a booking fee of AED 4.50 and a flagfall priced at AED 5.50. On weekends, Saturdays and Sundays experience peak periods from 4 pm to 9:59 pm and 10 pm to 11:59 pm, with a booking fee of AED 7.50 plus a flagfall of AED 5 during the early peak and AED 5.50 later into the night. Off-peak hours during the day maintain the AED 4 booking fee and AED 5 flagfall. The night-time booking and flagfall charges mirror weekday night tariffs.The comprehensive fare overhaul not only impacts commuter costs but aligns both traditional taxi and e-hailing pricing structures, providing greater consistency across transport options in Dubai.
RTA Dubai upgrades boost comfort and tech
Aside from fare revisions, RTA has also launched a series of 28 initiatives enhancing the taxi experience. These include upgraded driver uniforms designed for Dubai’s climate, improved leather seating for hygiene and comfort, real-time air quality sensors installed in taxis, and integral feedback systems allowing passengers a direct line to RTA for service monitoring. Additionally, drivers benefit from reward programs totaling over AED 8 million.Commuters should expect slightly higher upfront costs during peak and late-night rides, but with improved ride quality underpinned by technological advances and service innovations by the RTA.
Revised fares: Quick recap
| Time Period | Booking Fee | Flagfall (Starting Fare) | Additional Charges |
| Peak Hours (Monday–Thursday) | AED 7.50 | AED 5 | Applies from 8 am–9.59 am & 4 pm–7.59 pm |
| Off-Peak Hours | AED 4 | AED 5 | 6 am–7.59 am & 10 am–3.59 pm |
| Night-Time Trips | AED 4.50 | AED 5.50 | 10 pm–5.59 am |
| Friday Peak Hours | AED 7.50 | AED 5 | 8 am–9.59 am & 4 pm–9.59 pm |
| Friday Late Evening | AED 7.50 | AED 5.50 | 10 pm–11.59 pm |
| Weekend Peak Hours (Sat & Sun) | AED 7.50 | AED 5–5.50 | 4 pm–9.59 pm & 10 pm–11.59 pm |
| Weekend Off-Peak | AED 4 | AED 5 | 6 am–3.59 pm |
| Weekend Night | AED 4.50 | AED 5.50 | 12 am–5.59 am |
The updated fares are effective immediately with the RTA monitoring usage and service levels to assess the impact of these changes on public transport in the city. Go to Source
