Dubai taxi fares revised – new peak-hour rates for weekdays and weekends
Minimum fare for e-hailing taxis now set at Dh13
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced revised taxi fares for rides booked through smart applications, effective immediately.
The authority confirmed that the new rates apply only to app-based bookings and do not affect passengers hailing taxis directly from the roadside.
The changes include a revised minimum fare, now set at Dh13, up from Dh12, and a new schedule of peak-hour booking fees and flagfall charges that vary depending on the day and time of travel.
Weekday timings
From Monday to Thursday, passengers will pay a booking fee of Dh7.50 during peak hours between 8am-9.59am and 4pm-7.59pm, with a Dh5 flagfall.
During off-peak hours – 6am to 7.59am and 10am to 3.59pm – the booking fee is Dh4, while the flagfall remains Dh5.
At night, from 10pm to 5.59am, the booking fee is Dh4.50 and the flagfall Dh5.50.
Friday fares
Fridays bring a longer peak window, stretching from 8am to 9.59am and 4pm to 9.59pm, when the booking fee remains Dh7.50 and flagfall Dh5.
Between 10pm and 11.59pm, the booking fee is Dh7.50, with a Dh5.50 flagfall. Off-peak hours maintain the Dh4 booking fee and Dh5 flagfall, while night fares (12am–5.59am) apply a Dh4.50 booking fee and Dh5.50 flagfall.
Weekend adjustments
For Saturdays and Sundays, peak hours are from 4pm to 9.59pm and 10pm to 11.59pm.
During the first slot, the booking fee is Dh7.50 and flagfall Dh5, increasing to Dh5.50 later in the night. Off-peak rates (6am-3.59pm) carry a Dh4 booking fee and Dh5 flagfall, while night commuters from 12am to 5.59am pay Dh4.50 booking and Dh5.50 flagfall.
Dynamic pricing explained
The RTA noted that taxi fares in Dubai follow a dynamic pricing model, fluctuating based on demand, traffic congestion, and travel duration. This mechanism ensures availability during busy hours while maintaining lower rates during quieter periods.
The previous adjustment to flagfall rates occurred in January 2024, when starting fares rose temporarily to Dh20 in select areas during major events, such as exhibitions at Dubai World Trade Centre, Expo City, and Global Village. Regular metered fares otherwise remained at Dh12.