Taxis are one of the most common ways to get around Dubai. They are widely available, safe, and reasonably priced by international standards. Whether you are heading from the airport to your hotel, getting to an attraction not served by the metro, or heading home after a late night out, taxis are often the easiest option. This guide tells you everything you need to know.

Official Dubai Taxis

Official Dubai taxis are cream-coloured cars with a distinctive coloured roof — the roof colour indicates the taxi company. They are all metered, regulated, and operated under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). You can hail them on the street, find them at designated taxi ranks outside malls, hotels, and attractions, or book them through the Careem or RTA apps.

How Much Do Taxis Cost in Dubai?

  • Starting metre flag: AED 5.00 during the day, AED 5.50 at night (10pm to 6am).
  • Per kilometre rate: Approximately AED 1.82 during the day, AED 1.82 at night.
  • Minimum fare: AED 12.00.
  • Airport surcharge: AED 25 for all journeys starting from Dubai International Airport.
  • Typical journeys: Airport to Downtown Dubai AED 55–80, Airport to Dubai Marina AED 60–90, Downtown to Dubai Marina AED 25–40.

Using Careem in Dubai

Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Dubai and the wider Middle East. It works similarly to Uber — you book through the app, see the price upfront, and pay automatically. Careem offers multiple vehicle types from standard Economy cars to Business class SUVs. It is available 24 hours a day and is generally very reliable.

Using Uber in Dubai

Uber also operates in Dubai and works in exactly the same way as in other cities. The pricing and service are very similar to Careem. Both apps are worth having installed — sometimes one has shorter wait times than the other, and prices can vary slightly between them.

Women-Only Taxis

Dubai has a fleet of pink-roofed taxis driven exclusively by female drivers, specifically for female passengers and families. These can be requested through the RTA app or hailed at designated pink taxi ranks outside major malls and the airport. A thoughtful and popular service for solo female travellers.

Tips for Taking Taxis in Dubai

  • Always use the metre — do not agree to a fixed price with a taxi driver, as it will almost always be more expensive than the metre fare.
  • Save your destination address in Arabic on your phone — it helps drivers who may not know a hotel by its English name.
  • Keep small change available — some taxi drivers do not have change for large notes.
  • Avoid taxis during peak hours (8 to 10am and 5 to 8pm) — traffic can be very heavy and journey times increase significantly.
  • Never get into an unofficial unmarked car offering rides — always use official cream-coloured taxis or licensed apps.

Final Thoughts

Taxis in Dubai are a reliable and comfortable way to get around the city, especially for journeys not covered by the metro. Using Careem or Uber gives you the added convenience of upfront pricing and cashless payment. Dubai Travel Club recommends downloading both apps before you arrive so you always have a transport option ready — whatever time of day or night you need it.