Taxis are a reasonably cheap, efficient and safe way of getting around Dubai, (not in the rush hours though, although your cab driver may know alternative routes). There are various cab companies as well as the Dubai Transport Corporation’s own. Most cabs have meters and rates that are fixed by the government. The pick up fee is 3 Dhs (Night time 3.50 Dhs) and then 1.25 Dhs per kilometre (Night time 1.60 Dhs).

However if you book a taxi through a dispatch centre the pick up fee will be Dhs 6.00 (Night time Dhs 7.00). Waiting charges kick in after the first 10 minutes of waiting and then Dhs 30.00 per hour thereafter (Dhs 0.50 per minute). There is a special airport pick-up fee which is 20 Dhs and then 1.25 Dhs per kilometre so the cost to go to or from the airport should cost in the region of Dhs 30 - 35.  If you need to drive through the Salik toll gates, you will need to pay the fee (4Dhs)  in addition to your fair.  Drivers will ask you if you want to take a Salik route.  There are also special fixed fees of Dhs 500 to have a taxi all to yourself for a 12-hour period or Dhs 300 for 6 hours – now that’s luxury.

All taxis are air-conditioned and generally have polite and courteous drivers although some times they will drive fast to get as many fares as possible within their 12 hour shift. These drivers do not earn very much, so tip generously and always have plenty of small denomination notes when traveling by cab – it’s normal to round up the amount that shows on the meter and remember an additional 5 or 10 Dhs note tip will prove most welcome. Ladies Taxis are also available for women only.

There are taxis without meters, so should you use one of these be sure to agree the fare BEFORE commencing your journey, so saving an unpleasant argument later. Minbuses are available to take passengers to the airport which work out cheaper. Most hotels operate transport for their guests, so it’s well worth checking with your hotel before arriving at the airport, being collected after a long journey is pure bliss. And, should you wish to travel to one of the other emirates there are long distance taxis that you can share, but you have to wait until all 5 seats are taken to leave or if you are in a hurry, pay for them all yourself.

 You can book a taxi by calling the Dubai Taxi dispatch centre:  04 2080808.