Taxis

Dubai now has five major taxi companies.

Dubai Transport      Phone 2080808    Cream coloured cars

Cars Taxis               Phone 2642825     Cream with a Blue roof

National Taxis          Phone 3366611    Cream with a Blue Roof

Metro Taxis             Phone 2673222    Cream with a Red Roof

Arabia Taxis            Phone  2855111  Cream with a Green Roof

Metered fares are the same for all companies. 

Another bad aspect of Dubai traffic for DWC staff using them is these days is that Taxis don't want to go anywhere near or in the direction of Sharjah late in the day and to get one on Thursday afternoons can be an issue.  It seems they do not want to come to the area (Al Qasis) by the college because of the Sharjah traffic.

Dubai Transport has been in business for over ten years and has the more "experienced" (as in they know Dubai) drivers. Dubai Transport have a GPS system and can note the location of your house ( no matter where it is , or whether you really have a street number/address). Using this I can get a Taxi in 10 minutes at my door . Metro seem to have the worst drivers ( personal opinion).

The taxis run by the companies listed above are late model cars, clean and have seat belts.  If they don't in the back, complain!

Be wary, if you are new or visiting, of taxis who take  a "scenic" route to your destination, if you get my drift. Ask someone you know the quickest way there before you get in a taxi. Use a map (detailing close landmarks to where you live ) when you first arrive or have one visitors can use until you at least have an idea of what a fare costs from point A to point B .Many drivers are Pakistani Syrian, Yemeni or Indians and speak limited English. Knowing major landmarks, supermarkets, parks near your residence all make it easier to get home until you have been here a while.

Sharjah taxis have just become metered and you will also see them around Dubai , but they are not allowed to take a fare within Dubai. They have green Sharjah Number plates.

Also if you are a visitor many hotels offer you  private ( read "double the cost") taxis when you want a taxi. Just ask for a local taxi. They don't get offended.

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This page was last updated by Leigh Butler on November 11, 2008