The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announces the start of the online taxi booking service in Dubai via Careem app. 10 thousand vehicles operated by six franchised companies that run the service. This is within the framework of the smart city initiatives and the open data law directed by the government, marking the first time for this service to be provided by the private sector. Customers can now book a cab, track it instantly, and check details of their bookings. 

Adel Shakri, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said, “Activating the online taxi booking service via Careem app is within the framework of the smart city initiatives and the open data law, and is part of RTA’s strategy to bring happiness to residents and deliver premium services to tourists. It also enhances the experience of customers in Dubai, particularly with the deployment of about 10 thousand vehicles operated by six franchised companies. RTA has previously signed an agreement with Careem for offering limo-booking service by 4700 vehicles. Now the second part of the agreement relating to taxi booking service is being activated. 

“RTA provides multiple channels for booking taxis in Dubai including the Booking & Dispatch Center (04-2080808), Smart Taxi app, and RTA Dubai app; all of these platforms would be running besides Careem app. The activation of the online taxi booking service via Careem app would boost the Dubai integrated transport platform project, which is currently being undertaken by RTA. The project supports the acceleration of the technological infrastructure of online mobility booking,” added Shakri.

“The running of the online taxi booking service via Careem app contributes to RTA’s role in supporting the drive of the Dubai Government towards smart mobility; one of the key pillars of the Smart City initiative developed for the convenience and welfare of Dubai residents. 

“Today is a milestone for the ride-hailing industry globally. Alongside the RTA, Careem has co-led a pioneering way forward – the first partnership between regulatory authorities and a ride-hailing app to increase access to transportation services,” commented Bassel Al Nahlaoui, VP of Business Development and Government Relations, Careem. “As a global leader in innovation, Dubai provides the ideal environment in which to spearhead this new approach to public-private partnership (PPP) for our industry. A partnership between the region’s leading ride-hailing service, Careem, and a world-leading innovative transportation authority, RTA, is a change-making platform that will result in easier and more convenient ways to get around – delivering on Careem’s mission to simplify people’s lives.”