Beside the historical area of Dubai the new buildings are located within the far distance from each other, and as one should avoid walking in the full sun, the taxi are convenient and relatively cheap mean of transport there. The official taxi cabs in Dubai belong to Dubai Taxi Corporation ( DTC ) and there are easy to recognise by the characteristic symbol.
Very seldom appear the illegal taxi without taxometers, which one should definitely avoid.
Although the taxi cab can be picked up from the street, the taxi stands became more popular, and recently there are many new taxi waiting areas created near the main hotels, shopping centres, bus stations and on the main streets.
The cab can be booked directly by phone (+971 4) 2080808 or ordered via internet ( which requires prior registration).
Usually the taxi arrives within 15 minutes, there is also a possibility to set the hour of the pick-up.
There are several vehicles available, including family vans, cars for handicapped people, and, as first corporation in Arabic countries, DTC offers lady-driven taxi service.
At present there are some 40 women drivers suitable for Airport collection or longer distance ladies travelling.
There is also a possibility to hire a taxi for 6 or 12 hours, which sometimes could be cheaper and more convenient for one needs.
The example fares are given below:
Minimum Taxi Fare Dh. 10.00
Street Pickup Dh. 3.00 ( Dh. 6.00 22.00- 6.00)
Booking Dh. 6.00 ( Dh. 7.00 22.00- 6.00)
start/end Dubai International Airport Area Dh. 20.00
1 km Dh. 1.60
Taxi Service 6 h Dh. 300.00
Taxi Service 12 h Dh. 500.00
Dubai Taxi Corporation
Main Station (Corporation Headquarter)
Amman Street, Al Muhaisanah Area
Web page: http://dtc.dubai.ae/
[ photo courtesy of Quiao-Da-Ye]