The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced an adjustment to the smart-app taxi booking rates across the emirate, aligning fares with evolving market conditions and ensuring balance between passenger convenience and operational sustainability. The revision, effective immediately, reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of its mobility services amid rising demand for app-based transportation.
According to the RTA, the new fare structure applies to taxi rides booked through digital platforms such as Hala and other RTA-approved e-hailing services. The updated pricing system considers factors such as fuel costs, trip demand, travel distance, and time of day, ensuring that the city’s taxi network remains competitive with private ride-hailing operators while maintaining service standards and driver income levels.
The authority emphasized that the adjustment is designed to create a fair and transparent pricing model for both riders and drivers. It aims to minimize fluctuations caused by high-demand periods while maintaining affordable transport options across Dubai. The RTA noted that the updated rates are part of a data-driven framework that reviews transport trends and consumer feedback on a regular basis.
The changes come at a time when Dubai’s mobility ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, with growing adoption of digital booking systems and integrated smart payment solutions. The RTA’s ongoing strategy focuses on promoting the use of sustainable and technology-enabled transport modes, from taxis and electric vehicles to shared micro-mobility services and autonomous transport systems under development.
An RTA spokesperson said the adjustment aligns with Dubai’s broader goal of building a seamless and efficient urban mobility network under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. “The fare revision ensures continued investment in smart transport infrastructure, while maintaining high service quality and safety standards for passengers,” the statement read.
Industry observers note that the decision also takes into account the increased operational costs faced by drivers and fleet operators, particularly in fuel consumption and maintenance. By fine-tuning fare rates through smart-app channels, the RTA aims to keep the sector financially viable while incentivizing drivers to maintain service reliability during peak travel hours.
Dubai’s taxi fleet — which includes more than 12,000 vehicles operated by multiple franchise companies under RTA supervision — has seen growing usage through digital channels. App-based bookings now account for a significant portion of total trips, reflecting the city’s embrace of digital mobility.
The RTA added that the new rate model integrates artificial intelligence to predict demand patterns across different areas of the city. This allows for dynamic pricing within approved limits, reducing waiting times for passengers and optimizing vehicle allocation.
Passengers can view fare estimates before confirming bookings on the RTA’s official apps, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making. The authority has also reiterated that senior citizens, people of determination, and registered students will continue to receive applicable fare exemptions or discounts.
As Dubai continues to advance toward a smart, sustainable transport future, the latest adjustment underscores the city’s proactive approach to mobility management. By refining fare structures and leveraging digital innovation, the RTA aims to balance affordability, efficiency, and sustainability in one of the world’s fastest-evolving urban transport systems.
