If you regularly use a smart application to book a taxi in Dubai, there is something that you need to be aware of. Dubai taxi fares have undergone a new structure announced by RTA; minimum fares and booking charges have been revised in the city regarding app-based rides.
The new system of Dubai taxi fares officially took effect on November 6, 2025, and is only applicable to rides that are booked through RTA-registered smart applications like Careem, Dubai Taxi, and others. This change does not affect taxis picked up on the street.
Table of Contents
What’s New: Minimum Fare Increased?
RTA ensured that the base fare on all e-booked taxi journeys has gone up by AED 12 to AED 13. This transformation belongs to the continuous attempt of the city to equalize fares and enhance the digital ticket purchasing experience of a passenger who uses smart mobility services.
Updated Dubai Taxi Fares (Effective November 2025)
The new rates are differentiated according to the day of the week and travel time, and specific charges are made during peak time, off-peak time, and nighttime.
Monday to Thursday Taxi Fare Update
- Peak Hours: 8 am – 9.59 am, 4 pm – 7.59 pm
- Flagfall (initial charge): AED 5
- Booking Fee: AED 7.5
- Off-Peak Hours: 6 am – 7.59 am, 10 am – 3.59 pm
- Flagfall: AED 5
- Booking Fee: AED 4
- Night Hours: 10 pm – 5.59 am
- Flagfall: AED 5.5
- Booking Fee: AED 4.5
Friday Taxi Fare Update
- Peak Hours: 8 am – 9.59 am, 4 pm – 9.59 pm
- Flagfall: AED 5
- Booking Fee: AED 7.5
- Off-Peak Hours: 6 am – 7.59 am, 10 am – 3.59 pm
- Flagfall: AED 5
- Booking Fee: AED 4
- Night Hours: 12 am – 5.59 am
- Flagfall: AED 5.5
- Booking Fee: AED 4.5
Saturday and Sunday Taxi Fare Update
- Peak Hours: 4 pm – 9.59 pm and 10 pm – 11.59 pm
- Flagfall: AED 5 (4 pm – 9.59 pm)
- Flagfall: AED 5.5 (10 pm – 11.59 pm)
- Booking Fee: AED 7.5
- Off-Peak Hours: 6 am – 3.59 pm
- Flagfall: AED 5
- Booking Fee: AED 4
- Night Hours: 12 am – 5.59 am
- Flagfall: AED 5.5
- Booking Fee: AED 4.5
Also Read: Anunay Sood Passes Away at 32: The Dubai-Based Travel Influencer Who Inspired Millions
Who Will Be Affected?
These price adjustments would only affect the taxi rides made through smart applications- not on hailing taxis on the streets. The updated fares will automatically be reflected in the app used by passengers who reserve their rides through the Careem app or other ride-hailing services that are sanctioned by RTA. The current fare system does not change for regular riders who may use street-hailing.
Why the Change?
According to the RTA, the purpose of the adjustment would be to balance demand during peak traveling times, promote an efficient distribution of taxis, and reinforce the further digitalization of the transport sector in Dubai. It is one of the many elements of the larger vision of Dubai to develop a comprehensive and intelligent mobility environment, streamlining the ease of traveling within the city.
Final Thoughts
Under this new Dubai taxi fare arrangement, passengers are advised to consider the new minimum fares and booking charges in the course of confirming their rides.
Although the change is not so significant, it indicates the development of the city in the direction of using smarter and more technologically oriented urban transport.
Next time you open your app to book a cab, keep in mind that there is a new fare in Dubai taxis, but the comfort, convenience, and reliability of the transport system in the city of the world are no different.