Here are six different ways to hire a taxi in Dubai.
Method 1: Call the Dubai Taxi Hotline (Easiest for All Visitors)
The easiest way for everyone visiting Dubai is to use the Dubai Taxi Hotline. The first method is to use the Dubai Taxi Hotline, which is the easiest way for people who are visiting the city.
If you don’t have a taxi app downloaded to your phone, the easiest thing to do when travelling in Dubai is to call the official taxi number.
Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC): 8008-8088
This number is never closed; it is available day and night. You will be asked for your location and your destination, and a taxi will be dispatched. An SMS will be sent to you with the booking number, which will help you to recognize your booked cab.
If you’re calling from outside the UAE, you can dial +971-4-208-0808.
This technique is especially advantageous for the following:
- Persons who are visiting the website for the first time and have not downloaded any local apps.
- In areas without a taxi rank, people are in need of a taxi. In areas where there is no taxi rank, people need a taxi.
- Earlier booking for trips to the airport or early morning flights.
- Those who like to communicate with someone instead of using an application
Method 2: S’hail App (Best All-in-One Official App)
S’hail is the official multi-transport app of RTA for Dubai. It not only includes taxis, but also metro, trams, buses, and water transportation, so it is the perfect app to get around the whole city on the public transport system.
How to reserve a taxi with S’hail:
- Install S’hail on your iOS or Android device (it is free).
- Click on the app and choose Taxi Booking.
- Select “Dubai Public Taxi” from the list of car choices
- Type in pick-up and drop-off location
- Click “Book a Taxi”
- An assigned taxi will arrive at your location
How it’s used: S’hail provides a comparison of how much it would cost and how much time it would take to use a taxi, metro, or bus on the journey. For new Dubai residents, this is the one-stop solution app to learn about Dubai’s options for transportation.
Method 3: DTC App (Best for Direct Taxi & Limousine Booking)
The third option is the DTC App, which is ideal for booking direct taxi and car services through the app.
The Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) app is the official app directly run by the Dubai Taxi Company. Provides a modeless, simple interface to the RTA dispatch system, bypassing any third-party layers.
Steps:
- Get the DTC app for iOS and Android (free of charge)
- You must sign up with your cell phone number. Must register using your mobile phone number.
- Click on ‘Book A Taxi’.
- Enter the current place and the destination. Write down where you are and where you are going.
- Select the type of vehicle (standard taxi, limousine, ladies taxi, people of determination taxi, etc.).
- Verify any payment options.
- Monitor the driver in real time.
The DTC is a handy app to use if you want to avail a specific kind of taxi, for example, a ladies taxi, accessible taxi, or a limousine, as the app displays all the kinds of vehicle types clearly.
Method 4: Hala by Careem (Most Popular App Among Residents)
This method was the one most residents chose, as they use the app most frequently: Careem (Most Popular App Among Residents).
Hala is a partnership between the RTA and Careem. It functions like a normal ride-hailing app, just like Uber, but instead it sends out certified taxis from the direction of the RTA. Fares are charged keeping in mind the rates set by the RTA, so there is no premium for the convenience of the app.
Steps:
- Install the Careem app (available for free on iOS and Android).
- Type your pick-up address in the box.
- Select ‘Hala’ from the pick of vehicles.
- Confirm your destination and tap “Book.”
- Monitor your driver, pay in-app or cash on arrival.
This is because most Dubai residents already use Careem on their mobile phones for cities throughout the Middle East, and therefore are especially fond of this app. The app interface is clear, most pick-up times are quick, and card or wallet payments are hassle-free.
Method 5:Uber (Best for tourists who already have the app):
Uber is available in Dubai and sends local drivers who are licensed by the RTA. If you’re already registered for rideshare in other countries and your card is saved in the app, then this will be the easiest when you arrive, with no extra sign-up required.
Steps:
- Open the existing Uber App.
- Set up pickup and drop-off points
- Select the type of vehicle that you want to buy.
- Confirm the trip
Dubai also saw an Uber-like service of independent taxi cars in 2026, with WeRide. The option to get a ride in an autonomous vehicle is available in select areas; just click “Autonomous” in the Uber app to join in.
Method 6: Hailing a Taxi on the Street or at a Taxi Rank
If you are within close distance to a taxi pick-up location, there’s no need for an app or a phone call at all. Just take the nearest taxi stand and board the next taxi.
Taxi stands can be found in most places in Dubai:
- All terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- In Dubai, the main shopping centres are Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and most of the big shopping centres.
- All Dubai Metro stations have a taxi rank outside the station, with most being close to the station.
- Major hotels
- Hospitals
- Bus stations
There is one important rule: RTA taxis are only allowed to pick up people at the predetermined pick-up spots. What you cannot do in London or New York, you can’t do in the town. What you cannot do in London or New York, you can’t do in the town. A taxi driver is not legally obligated to stop if you wave at him on a busy street outside of a zone. Never run to the bottom rank; always run to the nearest rank or use an app.
Bonus Method: SMS Booking at Taxi Ranks
SMS Booking at Taxi Stands is offered as a bonus for taxi users. Dubai’s SMS taxi service is linked to the taxi reservation and distribution system at a taxi rank, so that the person can book a taxi directly through SMS without having to go to the queue to call the taxi. To book your taxi:
- Write a message on the taxi number displayed on the taxi signboard at the taxi rank.
- Text it to the SMS number that has been provided at the rank.
- Get an SMS confirmation of your booking and taxi details
This is less popular today with its abundance of apps; however, if you are in a busy venue such as the airport or big malls, this method is useful without internet connection.
