Dubai taxis carried a record 96.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, up from 96.2 million in the same period the previous year, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The surge underlines how the emirate's taxi sector has become a cornerstone of daily mobility for millions of residents and visitors.
Record Trips in H1 2024
The first six months of 2024 logged 55.7 million taxi journeys — 400,000 more than the 55.3 million recorded in H1 2023. The city's licensed taxi fleet has grown to 12,778 vehicles, and driver numbers rose from 26,000 to 30,000 over the same period, ensuring supply kept pace with rising demand.
Hala Taxi and Digital Bookings Drive Growth
A key factor behind the record numbers is the rapid uptake of digital hailing. The Hala Taxi e-hail service, which operates through Careem, now accounts for 40% of all taxi bookings in Dubai — up five percentage points from the previous year. The shift toward app-based rides has also made pickups faster: 76% of Hala rides had a pickup time of under 3.5 minutes, compared to 73% the year before.
RTA's Response to Rising Demand
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA's Public Transport Agency, attributed the sector's sustained expansion to rising passenger demand and the authority's commitment to meeting consumer needs. The RTA has prioritised fleet expansion and digital integration as the twin levers for keeping pace with Dubai's population and visitor growth.
Why Dubai Taxi Usage Keeps Rising
Dubai's taxi ridership reflects broader trends: a growing population, record tourism numbers, and the increasing convenience of app-based transport. With 40% of trips now booked digitally and faster average pickup times, the city's taxi network is adapting to expectations set by global ride-hailing standards — while remaining a regulated, government-overseen service.
