Key facts
Which authorisations exist in Dubai?
Three: one to transport passengers by taxicabs, one by luxury cabs, and one to provide on-demand passenger transport by cars requested through calls, electronic media or smart applications. Taxicab and luxury cab authorisations sit alongside a franchise agreement with the RTA.[1]
What does an on-demand booking service need?
A feasibility study (operating process, budget, organisation and staff), undertakings to provide the electronic systems and link them to the RTA's electronic platform, to follow the RTA's tariff with luxury cab fares above taxicab fares, to install its apps on the taximeter, and to contract only with establishments the agency authorises, plus suitable premises and the fee.[1]
What documents does the application need?
The application form with a passport (and residence visa for non-nationals), Emirates ID, the commercial licence issued by Dubai's commercial licensing authority, the feasibility study and anything else the Public Transport Agency asks for. The authorisation is issued once the agency approves and the fee is paid.[1]
Can taxis from other emirates work in Dubai?
Only for trips from Dubai to other emirates, under a temporary authorisation: the taxis must be licensed in their own emirate, owned by the applicant, driven by its employees, keep the meter running and pick up only at locations the RTA designates.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a taxi app in Dubai?
Only with an RTA authorisation for on-demand passenger transport, which requires linking your systems to the RTA's electronic platform and contracting only with authorised establishments.
Do luxury cabs charge more than taxis in Dubai?
Applicants for on-demand authorisation undertake to charge luxury cab fares higher than taxicab fares, within the RTA's tariff.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.