Dubai Taxis: Rules, Capacity & Abu Dhabi Trips

Navigating the bustling streets of Dubai, whether for business or leisure, often involves relying on its efficient taxi network. However, recent adjustments to passenger rules and inter-emirate travel requirements, primarily influenced by public health considerations, mean it's more important than ever to be informed. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the current regulations for taxi passenger capacity within Dubai and provide crucial details for those planning a journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, ensuring your travel is both compliant and comfortable.

Understanding the nuances of these rules is key to a seamless experience, particularly for visitors from the United Kingdom accustomed to different transport norms. From who can sit where, to the vital digital health checks required for longer journeys, we've got you covered.

Understanding Dubai Taxi Passenger Capacity

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai periodically updates its guidelines to ensure public safety and efficient service. For standard taxis, there have been notable changes regarding the number of passengers permitted, especially in light of ongoing health precautions.

Standard Taxi Passenger Rules

Previously, regular Dubai taxis were limited to carrying just two passengers in the back seat. This restriction was largely a measure to ensure social distancing. However, the RTA has since eased these rules slightly, acknowledging the needs of families.

Currently, a standard taxi can accommodate up to three passengers, provided the third passenger is a child under the age of 14. It is crucial to note that all passengers, regardless of age, must occupy the back seats. The front passenger seat, next to the driver, must remain vacant. This specific rule is a continuing measure for COVID-19 precautions, aiming to maintain a safe distance between the driver and passengers.

“If you commute in taxis, you can now accompany your child (up to 14 years old) as a third passenger in the vehicle without using the seat next to the driver,” the RTA confirmed.

This adjustment offers greater flexibility for small families travelling together, making local commutes more convenient without the need for multiple taxis.

Van (Family) Taxi Passenger Rules

For those requiring more space, such as larger families or groups, Dubai also offers three-row family vehicles, often referred to as 'Van' taxis or 'Hala' vans. These vehicles provide greater capacity, with specific rules tailored to their size:

• The maximum number of authorised passengers in a three-row family vehicle (Van) remains four, until further notice.
• These vans typically have two rows of seats behind the driver. To maintain social distancing, passengers are generally advised to sit two per row.

Hala vans can be conveniently booked via the Careem app, offering a pre-booked and often more structured option for travel. Crucially, the fares for these larger van services are the same as those for regular taxi services, making them an attractive option for groups needing more room without incurring extra cost.

Summary of Passenger Capacity

To provide a clear overview, here’s a breakdown of the current taxi passenger capacities in Dubai:

Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by Taxi

Inter-emirate travel, particularly between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, involves additional considerations, primarily due to public health measures designed to control the spread of coronavirus. For those opting for a taxi or bus, specific requirements must be met at the land border checks.

The Crucial Al Hosn App Requirement

The most significant requirement for anyone travelling by taxi or bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is possessing a green status on the Al Hosn app. This is the UAE’s official COVID-19 status and tracing application. A green status indicates that an individual has tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, signifying they are considered safe to travel.

• For Taxi Passengers and Drivers: Both the driver and all passengers in the taxi must display a green status on their Al Hosn app.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: If the driver does not have a green status, the vehicle will not be permitted to cross the border into Abu Dhabi. In such cases, passengers will unfortunately have to disembark at the border and arrange for alternative transport from the Abu Dhabi side. This applies regardless of whether the taxi is operated by Dubai's RTA or a private company like Uber or Careem.

It is highly advisable for all travellers to ensure their Al Hosn app status is green well in advance of their journey to avoid any inconvenience or delays at the border. While green status is not mandated when travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, it is absolutely essential for the return journey.

Booking Your Inter-Emirate Taxi

When planning your taxi journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you have several booking options, each with slightly different fare structures and benefits:

• Hala (Careem App): This is a highly recommended option for inter-emirate travel. When booking through the Hala section of the Careem app, you have the ability to specifically choose a driver who has a negative PCR test result, which directly translates to a green status on Al Hosn. This offers peace of mind, knowing your driver meets the border requirements. Careem charges a flat fare of Dh350 for all journeys between Dubai and Abu Dhabi city.
• Standard Street-Hailed Taxis: You can flag down a standard Abu Dhabi or Dubai taxi from the street. The cost for a one-way journey typically ranges from Dh250 to Dh300, depending on your precise destination within Abu Dhabi. However, with this option, there's no guarantee the driver will have a green Al Hosn status, potentially leading to issues at the border.
• Uber: Uber also operates between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While the exact cost depends on your final destination, it is generally more than Dh300. Similar to street-hailed taxis, confirming the driver's Al Hosn status beforehand might be challenging.

Travelling by Bus: Route E101

For a more economical option, the inter-emirate bus service is a popular choice. Route E101 connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi and offers a reliable way to travel, provided you meet the necessary health requirements.

• Al Hosn App: Just like with taxis, a green status on the Al Hosn app is mandatory for all bus passengers travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Police conduct on-board checks at the border to verify passengers' status before allowing entry into Abu Dhabi.
• Cost: The bus service costs Dh25 each way, making it significantly more affordable than a taxi.
• Route and Duration: The E101 bus departs from Ibn Battuta bus station in Dubai and arrives at the Central Bus Station, opposite Al Wahda Mall, in Abu Dhabi. The journey typically takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
• Expo 2020 Buses: During the period of Expo 2020 Dubai, the RTA also operated free buses from Abu Dhabi to the world’s fair, with departure points including Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, Marina Mall Station, and Al Ain Bus Station. While this was a temporary service, it highlights the extensive public transport network available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further assist with your travel planning, here are answers to some common questions regarding taxi use in Dubai and inter-emirate journeys:

Can I sit in the front seat next to the taxi driver in Dubai?

No, due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions, the front passenger seat next to the driver must remain vacant in all Dubai taxis, whether standard or van. All passengers are required to sit in the back seats.

What is the Al Hosn app and why is it important for inter-emirate travel?

The Al Hosn app is the UAE’s official digital platform for COVID-19 status and contact tracing. It displays your vaccination status and PCR test results. A 'green status' on the app, indicating a negative PCR test within the last 14 days, is a mandatory requirement for both drivers and passengers when travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by taxi or bus. Without it, you will not be allowed to cross the border.

Are children counted towards the passenger limit in Dubai taxis?

Yes, children are counted as passengers. However, under current RTA rules, a child aged under 14 can be the third passenger in a standard taxi, in addition to two adults, provided all three sit in the back. For van taxis, children also count towards the four-passenger limit.

Are the fares for van taxis (Hala vans) more expensive than regular taxis?

No, the RTA has clarified that the fares for the three-row family vehicle (Van) taxis are the same as the regular taxi service. This makes them a cost-effective option if you need more space or are travelling with a larger group within the permitted limits.

What should I do if my taxi driver does not have a green Al Hosn status at the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border?

If your driver does not have a green status on the Al Hosn app, the taxi will not be permitted to cross into Abu Dhabi. You will need to exit the vehicle at the border and arrange for alternative transportation from the Abu Dhabi side. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to book a Hala taxi via the Careem app, as it allows you to select a driver with a confirmed negative PCR test result.

Is it safe to travel by taxi between Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the current regulations?

Yes, it is considered safe, provided all individuals (passengers and driver) adhere to the Al Hosn app requirements and any other prevailing health guidelines. The checks at the border are specifically designed to ensure public health and safety during inter-emirate travel.

Conclusion

Dubai’s commitment to efficient and safe public transport is evident in its continuously updated taxi regulations. By understanding the current passenger capacity rules – allowing up to three in standard taxis (with a child) and four in vans – and by being fully prepared for the Al Hosn app requirements for inter-emirate travel to Abu Dhabi, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Always keep an eye on official RTA announcements for the very latest information, as regulations can evolve. With this knowledge, you're well-equipped to navigate Dubai's taxi services with confidence, whether you're exploring the city or embarking on a trip to its neighbouring emirate.

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