Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a Dubai to Abu Dhabi shared taxi service that slashes inter-emirate travel costs by as much as 75%. The six-month "Car Sharing" pilot connects Ibn Battuta Centre in Dubai with Al Wahda Centre in Abu Dhabi, with fares starting at just AED 66 ($18) per person.
How the RTA Shared Taxi Service Works
Passengers travelling between the two emirates can now share a licensed taxi rather than booking a private car. The fare per person depends on how many riders share the vehicle:
- 4 passengers: AED 66 ($18) per person - 3 passengers: AED 88 ($24) per person - 2 passengers: AED 132 ($36) per person
Payment is accepted by cash, bank card, or nol card, making the service accessible to both residents and visitors.
Why Ibn Battuta and Al Wahda?
Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA's Public Transport Agency, explained that the two pickup points were selected for their proximity to major public transport hubs and large car parks, making it easy for passengers to connect with other modes of transport at both ends of the journey.
Safety and Monitoring
RTA has equipped the shared taxis with its standard safety technology, including cameras connected to the Operations Control Centre and driver-monitoring systems. These measures are designed to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all riders throughout the Dubai to Abu Dhabi route.
Cutting Traffic and Carbon Emissions
Beyond the cost savings, the pilot is designed to reduce the number of private vehicles on the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor — one of the UAE's busiest inter-emirate highways. By pooling journeys, the RTA aims to ease congestion between the two cities and lower carbon emissions, in line with Dubai's broader sustainability commitments.
What Comes Next
If the six-month pilot proves successful, the RTA is expected to roll out the car-sharing model to additional routes, potentially expanding affordable inter-emirate transport across the UAE.
