Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development, Public Transport Agency, RTA, said: “The sector has seen a remarkable growth trajectory over the past five years. In the first quarter of this year, the number of taxi trips amounted to a staggering 27.3 million, showcasing a consistent upward trend when compared to the corresponding periods in previous years.

“The numbers were 26 million trips in 2022, 19.2 million trips in 2021, 23.3 million trips in 2020, and 26.1 million trips in 2019.”

Taxi sector sees highest growth in recent years

“This sector experienced an unprecedented surge, marking its highest growth in recent years, particularly e-hail services, smart rental services, and Hala Taxi service. The analysis of figures and ratios of the sector during the first quarter of 2023 reflects the thriving economy of Dubai, which cemented its standing as a prominent global hub for investment and tourism,” added Shakri.

In other news, in March, RTA unveiled a plan driving the gradual shift from conventional taxi street-hail to e-hail services, aiming for an 80 per cent adoption rate for the latter in the coming years.

The plan is underscored by the success of Hala e-hailing rides, which accounted for 30 per cent of all taxi trips in Dubai in 2022. RTA aims to have a dedicated fleet exclusively offering e-hail services using specific mechanisms and performance indicators for the service.