Is there Uber in Dubai?
Trying to figure out how to get around Dubai ahead of your impending trip? Look no further. Thankfully, Uber is available in Dubai. Travellers can take advantage of a number of options including Green, Uber X, Uber Black, Uber XL, Comfort, and Van XL.
Opting for Uber Green guarantees you an electric car, Uber X is the standard service, whereas Uber XL, Comfort, and Van XL are bigger vehicles with ample space for larger groups and plenty of luggage. Finally, Uber Black is a premium service offering luxury cars.
To request a ride, just open the Dubai Uber 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
Whilst the popular ride-hailing app offers the advantage of fixed rates, Uber prices in Dubai tend to be pricier than regular taxi services, especially as the company often implements surge pricing during periods of high demand.
With that being said, the cost of your Uber in Dubai varies depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, and distance travelled. For example. Uber X and Green are the most affordable options, usually costing around €30 (AED 118) for a ride from Dubai Airport to the city centre. Likewise, you’ll pay around €12 (AED 47) 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.
| Dubai Airport to city centre (Bur Dubai) | Trade Centre to Burj Khalifa (5 km) |
| Uber X – €30 (AED 118) | Uber X – €19 (AED 75) |
| Standard Taxi – €21 (AED 80) | Standard Taxi – €12 (AED 47) |
| Welcome Pickups private transfer – €27 (AED 105) | Welcome Pickups private transfer – €12 (AED 47) |
Uber alternatives in Dubai
From the airport
Dubai International Airport partnered with Uber in 2023. Since then, the airport has opened a dedicated area for Uber vehicles and has increased the number of pick-up zones near each terminal, making Uber 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.
Alternatively, 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 €6.40 (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 personalised and premium experience.
Getting around Dubai
If Uber isn’t for you, taking a taxi in Dubai is still a good alternative. You can flag down a 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 Careem or book your in-city ride with Welcome Pickups if you’d prefer a reliable English-speaking driver and competitive fixed fare.
Travelling outside of Dubai
Dubai is close to a few popular destinations such as Abu Dhabi. Luckily, travellers leaving the famous city to explore other areas for the day can still travel via taxi. Uber is also an option, however, 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.
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 travellers seeking ground transportation services. However, 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-coloured taxis in Dubai are also quite safe. There are even taxi companies 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 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. Or, better yet, book a private transfer with a trusted provider to eliminate the stress altogether and secure a reliable, world-class service.
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FAQs
Can I pay by card?
Ride-hailing apps in Dubai like Uber accept card payments through the app, once the ride is finished. You can also pay by card if you book a transfer in advance.
How much is Uber in Dubai?
Uber in Dubai is generally more expensive than local taxi services, especially during periods of high demand. Nevertheless, you’ll pay approximately €30 (AED 118) for a ride from Dubai Airport to the city centre, whilst a short in-city ride will cost around €19 (AED 75).
Do I need to tip my Uber driver?
In Dubai, it’s common to tip your taxi driver around AED 10 or simply round up the fare. If you’re using apps like Careem or Uber, you can leave a tip using the app. Another great way to thank your Dubai Uber driver is to leave them a rating after completing your ride.
