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.
When I went to Dubai back in 2007, it was very easy to hail a cab. Also, being quite familiar with the city map prevented any driver from taking advantage of me and taking the long route to my destination. But I think the taxi fares in Dubai should be reduced by at least 15%. They don’t have a really good public transit system and people are left with no choice but to take taxis everywhere they go. But one thing I would surely like to see in Dubai is the speed restrictions enforced. Some of these drivers cruise at 120+ kph and that makes me very nervous. But one thing is for sure, I would love to drive at rocket speed on the desert roads, well over 150 kph if the Camry (typical taxi) could handle it.
Dubai has good taxi system but I agree some of the drivers would lie and state the meter is not working. If that is the case just leave the taxi and get a new one.
I found every time I travelled in a Dubai taxi as a single female I was taken the long way and usually paid 50% more than when I travelled with a male.
I was in Dubai in January 2009. Taxis are relatively cheap but 90% of the drivers are on their mobile phones while driving you. They drive very fast and I once had a driver who combed his beard for the most part of the trip. One taxi driver picked me up from the Deira City Center and expected me to pay 10 dirham more than the meter read, lying to me that his metre was broken. But I don’t agree that taxi’s are hard to come by. I found one any time I wanted one!
From December 2 2008 taxis will be exempt from the Salik road tolls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Taxi drivers in Dubai drive too fast and tailgate. Just tell them to slow down and most will oblige.
With all the traffic jams, many taxi drivers are now refusing to take people on short trips through busy areas.
It’s much cheaper to get a taxi from the airport than booking a hotel transfer beforehand (unless of course it’s free!)