New Dubai taxi fares: Here's what changes for app users

MINIMUM FARE AND BOOKING FEES REVISED TO CREATE A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE

Under the new model, the minimum fare for app rides has increased to Dh13 from Dh12. Booking fees now start at Dh4 during off-peak hours and reach Dh7.50 during peak times.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented a new dynamic fare structure for taxis booked through RTA partner smart apps, which include Careem (Hala), S'hail, Bolt, Zed and the DTC Smart App.

Revealed on Wednesday, the update changes how app-based rides are priced, linking booking fees to demand at specific times of the day.

The change doesn't affect passengers who hail taxis directly on the street, but for riders using apps, both the minimum fare and booking fees have been revised to create a more flexible, demand-driven system.