Uber in Dubai: Everything you need to know

Is there Uber in Dubai? 

Trying to figure out how to get around Dubai ahead of your trip? Look no further. Thankfully, Uber is in Dubai. Travelers can take advantage of a number of options, including Green, Uber X, Uber Black, Uber XL, Comfort, Family, Lux and Van XL. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each service:

• Uber Green – Eco-friendly ride in a fully electric or hybrid vehicle. Ideal for environmentally conscious travelers.
• Uber X – Standard ride for up to 4 passengers. Affordable and reliable for everyday trips.
• Uber Black – Premium ride in luxury vehicles with professional drivers. Perfect for business or special occasions.
• Uber XL – Spacious SUV or van for up to 6 passengers. Great for families, groups, or extra luggage.
• Uber Comfort – Roomier ride for up to 4 passengers, with newer cars.
• Uber Family – Includes a child safety seat. Designed for parents traveling with young children.
• Uber Lux – High-end vehicles with top-rated drivers for a first-class travel experience. Best for premium journeys.
• Uber Van XL – Extra-large van for larger groups or lots of luggage. Can accommodate up to 6 passengers comfortably.

To request a ride, just open the Uber Dubai app and enter your pickup location and destination. You can then choose what type of service you want to book. Once you’ve selected your vehicle, all you have to do is confirm your ride and wait for your driver. You can check the vehicle type and number plate in the app, and even track your driver as they make their way over to you.

Uber prices in Dubai

While the popular ride-hailing app offers the advantage of fixed rates, Uber prices in Dubai are often higher than metered taxis, as the company implements surge pricing during periods of high demand. 

That said, the cost of your Uber in Dubai varies depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, and distance traveled. For example, Uber X and Green are the most affordable options, usually costing around €23 (AED 95) for a ride from Dubai Airport to the city center. Likewise, you’ll pay around €12 (AED 50) for a 5 km ride within the city. 

It’s important to consider that Uber uses dynamic pricing during peak seasons or rush hour, so your fare may be higher than expected. Peak season is from November until April whilst rush hour is between 06:30 and 08:30, and 17:30 and 20:00 on weekdays. 

Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date fare estimates, it’s recommended to use Uber’s official fare estimator

Uber alternatives in Dubai

From the airport

Dubai International Airport partnered with Uber in 2023. Since then, the airport has a dedicated area for Uber Dubai vehicles and has increased the number of pick-up zones near Terminals 1 and 3, making the app a solid option for airport transfers. However, due to how crowded the airport gets, you’ll likely end up waiting a while and be subject to surge pricing as a result.

You can still catch a metered taxi from the ranks outside each terminal at Dubai Airport. All you have to do is follow the signs to the official taxi rank. Just bear in mind that there’s an airport surcharge of €6 (AED 25) for standard taxi rides from the airport.

For a guaranteed fixed fare with no hidden fees, you can pre-book your Dubai Airport taxi with Welcome Pickups and enjoy a more personalized and premium experience.

Getting around Dubai

If Uber isn’t for you, taking a local taxi is still a good alternative. You can flag down a Dubai taxi in the street, call and arrange a pickup, or walk to the nearest rank. Taxi ranks are located close to most major transportation hubs or sites such as Al Hamriya Shopping Centre, Dubai Grand Hotel, Uptown Center and Al Sabkha Bus Station. 

You can also download other well-known apps, such as Hala, or book your in-city ride with Welcome Pickups if you’d prefer a reliable English-speaking driver and a competitive fixed fare.

Traveling outside of Dubai

Dubai is close to a few popular destinations such as Abu Dhabi. Luckily, travelers leaving the famous city to explore other areas for the day can still travel via taxi. Uber Dubai is also an option, but the fares may be quite high for longer distances.

For those on a budget, local taxis are more affordable but there’s still the added stress of not knowing the final fare until you reach your final destination. Some taxi drivers may be open to agreeing on a final fare for long trips, although this is never guaranteed. 

If you’d prefer to secure a fixed fare ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about it on the day, booking a private transfer with no hidden fees is your best bet.

Getting around Dubai: Uber, Taxi, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you should think about your and your group’s specific needs. We’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below, so that you can make an informed choice.

Is Uber safe in Dubai?

Uber in Dubai is a legally registered service with the RTA, so it’s considered to be a safe option for travelers seeking ground transportation services. Even so, as a general rule of thumb, it’s always good to err on the side of caution. You can check your Dubai Uber driver’s rating and watch your journey progress using the app or Google Maps. 

Likewise, licensed cream-colored taxis in Dubai are also quite safe. Just make sure you choose one with the DTC (Dubai Taxi Company) logo on the side. There are even taxis offering “Ladies Taxis”, which are vehicles with pink roofs that are always driven by female drivers. 

Despite this, as in any large city, some taxi or Dubai Uber drivers may act dishonestly. So if you feel you have been scammed or overcharged, just write down the driver’s name and details, and keep your receipt. You can then submit a complaint to the DTC or the company you booked with.

Or, better yet, book a private transfer with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups to eliminate the stress altogether and secure a reliable, world-class service.

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Justine Mellor

Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.