Taxis

Dubai is not particularly pedestrian-friendly and taxis are the best way to travel around the city. They’re now regulated by the government and should have a working meter. If it doesn't or if the driver doesn't turn it on, then according to local laws, there is no obligation to pay.

Taxis are relatively cheap and can be found outside hotels or hailed almost everywhere (there are over 6,000 in the city). Drivers are usually pretty courteous and most have reasonable English.

In January 2007 a fleet of pink taxis was introduced for women, children and families only.

From July 2007, road tolls will be introduced on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Garhoud Bridge. Passengers will have the option of paying the 4 dirham toll or taking an alternative, and probably more expensive, route.

Reader Comments / Additional Information

rudra
It's very easy to watch the taxis passing by but comparatively hard to hire one. Regarding the bus, it's either too much crowded and won't let you in or late. i.e. if it's a ride of about half an hour, it can take an hour and half or more because of traffic.
beryl
It's a shame that some drivers are rude to passengers. The worse thing is that even if you book a taxi sometimes they don't even turn up.
Big Dog
The standard of driving in dubai is the worst I have ever experienced, sickeningly poor, a state of affairs presumably bred by the contrast of arrogance and extreme wealth with poverty and apathy.
It frequently took me over an hour to hail a taxi, to then sit in a jam for several more, each day. When trying to hire a car I was told that my UK driving license was inappropriate, a laughable outrage! If I return to dubai, it will be at the head of a massive armoured column that I shall run up and down the Sheikh Zayed road, crushing all those who stand in my way, Range Rovers and illegitimate taxis alike, whilst broadcasting instructional audiotapes on the principles of defensive driving at 160 decibels.
gwippy
My experience with taxi drivers within heavy traffic: I tell him 'its completely up to you how you make the target, but please don`t exceed my 20 (or other) minutes limit'. Most drivers shout or laugh but then they drive like a private car owner: small uncrowded streets, outlying but fast roads etc. strictly avoiding the time costing jam areas. The tour is often under the ´normal´ fee, even if I calculated with the fair drivers extra tip.
Yulia
It is now virtually impossible to get a taxi in Deira. The traffic jams here mean that no drivers want to work here. Be prepared for a long wait!
Editor
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has announced that all new taxis in Dubai will be fitted with a device to prevent them travelling at more than 120 km/h. The move comes amongst increasing concern from both residents and tourists that taxi drivers are placing lives in danger by driving too fast. An awareness campaign reminding taxi drivers of the 120 km/h speed limit has also been launched.
Editor
The government has just announced that its taxi fleet will graually convert to hybrid vehicles over the next few years.
Bernard M
Taxi drivers in Dubai drive too fast and tailgate. Just tell them to slow down and most will oblige.
malik
With all the traffic jams, many taxi drivers are now refusing to take people on short trips through busy areas.
cath cutler
It's much cheaper to get a taxi from the airport than booking a hotel transfer beforehand (unless of course it's free!)

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