Hold on tight, Dubai taxi riders! The cost per kilometer for your next ride has gone up. This change reflects the rising petrol prices that have been steadily increasing across the UAE in recent months.
New Dubai Taxi Fares Take Effect
The official website of the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) confirms the new rate: AED 2.09 per kilometer. This applies to both RTA-affiliated S’hail taxis and those booked through the Careem app. This represents a 12 fils per kilometer increase compared to the previous rate of AED 1.97.
Rising Fuel Costs Drive the Change
The adjustment in taxi fares comes as no surprise, mirroring the increase in petrol prices across the United Arab Emirates. As of May 2024, motorists in the UAE are paying:
- AED 3.15 per liter for Super 98 petrol
- AED 3.03 per liter for Special 95 petrol
- AED 2.96 per liter for E-plus 91 petrol
- AED 3.09 per liter for diesel
These prices represent a significant rise since January 2024, when petrol prices saw their last decrease.
Planning Your Trip: What to Expect
The good news is that the base fare of AED 12 remains unchanged. This allows you to estimate your total trip cost beforehand, which can be helpful for budget-conscious travelers. The final fare will be a combination of the base fare, the distance traveled (charged at the new per-kilometer rate), and the time spent in the taxi.
Booking with Apps: Estimating Your Fare
Popular ride-hailing apps like Careem typically provide a fare estimate before confirming your booking. This estimated cost considers the distance and current traffic conditions.
A Look Back: Previous Fare Adjustments
The last significant increase in Dubai taxi fares occurred in July 2022. Similar to the current situation, this change followed a period of rising global fuel prices.
The Rationale Behind the Change
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) emphasizes that taxi fare adjustments are dynamic. In simpler terms, they fluctuate based on the ever-changing local fuel market. The new rate reflects the calculated fuel consumption per kilometer for Dubai taxis.
DTC Reports Financial Growth
Despite the fare increase, the Dubai Taxi Corporation continues to experience financial growth. The first quarter of 2024 saw a 15% revenue increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The DTC attributes this growth to a combination of factors:
- Increased number of taxi trips by Dubai residents
- Longer average trip distances
- Higher taxi fares
- Expansion of the taxi fleet, including doubling the number of taxis at Dubai International Airport
Dubai taxi fares have increased to reflect rising fuel costs. While the base fare remains unchanged, the per-kilometer rate has gone up by 12 fils. Riders can still estimate their trip costs beforehand and benefit from fare estimates provided by ride-hailing apps. This adjustment ensures the continued sustainability of Dubai’s taxi operations while reflecting the current economic climate.