The taxi sector in Dubai has undergone significant development over the past year, primarily due to the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) strategy to shift towards electronic booking. This initiative has not only fostered sustainability but also improved traffic flow by encouraging riders to adopt this modern technology.

According to Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency of the RTA, the market share of electronically booked taxi trips in Dubai increased by 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, the market share of Hala Ride, a ride-hailing service, witnessed a rise during peak hours from 42% to 50%. As a result of these changes, approximately 7,600 traditional taxis have been removed from daily operations.

Shakri emphasized the benefits experienced by both passengers and drivers due to this shift. Over 74% of electronically booked trips reported arrival times of less than 3.5 minutes, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, drivers enjoyed a significant improvement in their daily routine, with a reduction of 50 minutes in driving time and a 4% decrease in overall travel distance in 2024.