Top 10 Ride Sharing Companies in Dubai

Ryan, a university student from Dhaka, recently traveled to Dubai for his first international conference. 

He booked his hotel at the last minute, only to find it was an hour away from the conference venue.

The hassle was immense. 

New place, unfamiliar environment, and the challenge of finding an affordable ride sharing app.

Like many tourists, he had no idea about the ride sharing companies in Dubai. As a result, he was late for his first day.

Determined to avoid the same mistake, Ryan booked a car through a ride sharing app the next day. 

This time, he arrived on time, feeling confident and prepared. His presentation went smoothly without a hitch.

If you’re like Ryan and searching for reliable ride booking apps in Dubai, you’ve come to the right place. Based on his experience, this blog will share the top companies dominating the ride sharing industry in Dubai with all the essential details.

So, let’s get started!

10 Major Ride Sharing Companies in Dubai 

Dubai offers a variety of ride sharing companies to choose from. From a resident to a tourist there’s always an app for you to book your next ride. 

So, let’s continue our exploration of Dubai’s ride sharing scene by diving deeper into each app’s details: 

1. Careem: 

Known as the biggest unicorn in the ride sharing industry of the Middle East, Careem was acquired by Uber in 2019. It’s like a household name in Dubai and it is known for its user-friendly nature. 

Along with ride sharing, it comes with other diverse options. You can book rides, schedule pickups in advance, order food, or book an affordable Hala taxi ride.

Image: Careem Ride Sharing

Features:

• Ride scheduling
• Multiple vehicle categories 
• Careem reward points 
• Push notifications 
• Real-time tracking 
• In-app messaging 

Pros:

• User-friendly app interface 
• Multiple vehicle options to choose from 
• Secure payment options 
• Professionally trained Careem captains
• Affordable options for budget-conscious travelers 

Cons:

• Unprofessional behaviour from a few captains of Careem 
• In-app help option may not be available all the time 
• Sometimes the charge increases than the estimated value 

Payment Methods:

• Credit/debit cards
• Cash
• Pay wallet 

Safety Features:

• Driver background checks
• In-app SOS button for emergencies
• Call masking feature

Know About: Uber Like Ride Sharing App Development Cost

2. Uber

This ride hailing giant only needs a little introduction.  Its global presence ensures familiarity for frequent travelers.  

It has a strong presence in Dubai offering a seamless ride experience to the users here.

Image: Uber Ride Sharing

Features:

• Real-time ride tracking
• Multiple vehicle options
• Scheduled rides
• Driver rating
• In-app chat 
• SOS panic button 

Pros:

• Wide availability
• Transparent pricing
• Professional service
• Convenient and reliable 

Cons: 

• Surge pricing during peak times
• Unprofessional behaviour from some driver-partners 
• Occasional long wait times 

Payment Methods:

• Credit and debit cards
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Digital wallets
• Uber gift cards

Safety Features:

• Driver background checks
• In-app emergency assistance
• Speed limit alert 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Phone number anonymization

3. XXRIDE

It is a new entrant in the Dubai ride sharing market, offering users a reasonable and convenient ride option.  Along with offering competitive rates, it comes with a variety of car options. This can be a good option for people seeking a good balance between affordability and comfort.

Image: XXRIDE Ride Sharing

Features:

• Comes with ride hailing, airport transfer, and luxury services 
• Real-time ride tracking
• Multiple vehicle categories
• Can take the ride outside of Dubai 

Pros:

• Low prices
• Simple app interface
• Fast booking process

Cons:

• Some people struggle to sign up or register an account 
• App malfunctions for some users during the ride booking process 

Payment Methods:

• Card payments ( international and national cards) 
• Apple pay 
• Cash

Safety Features:

• 24/7 emergency assistance by call or WhatsApp
• In-app SOS button

4. RTA Dubai Taxi

Managed by the Roads and Transport Authority, RTA Dubai Taxi is the official taxi service in Dubai. 

This app allows you to hail one of Dubai’s iconic red-roofed taxis. It’s a reliable and affordable option.

Image: RTA Dubai Taxi

Features:

• Metered fares
• Multiple booking options (RTA Dubai App or hotline)
• Government-regulated service

Pros:

• Free internet during the ride 
• Exclusive ladies and families taxis driven by female drivers
• Standardized pricing
• Widely available 
• Operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
• Available during public holidays 

Cons:

• Some customers face technical issues like glitching and being unable to use the payment gateways with the mobile app 
• Poor customer service 

Payment Methods:

• Credit/debit cards
• NOL card 

Safety Features:

• Government-operated service
• FMS tech was installed to analyze and evaluate the service

5. Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC)

A subsidiary of RTA, Dubai Taxi Corporation offers a similar service with additional vehicle options.

This is an official app from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. It offers another way to hail the traditional red taxis. Similar to the RTA Dubai Taxi app, it’s a budget-friendly choice for getting around the city.

Image: Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) 

Features:

• Variety of vehicle types
• Scheduled rides
• Special services for women and families
• Built-in fare estimation
• Two-way feedback system for both drivers and users 

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with minimalist design 
• Wide range of vehicles – Taxi, Limousine, and other services 
• Customer support is available 24/7 
• Both male and female professional drivers 
• Multiple payment options 
• Live trip tracking
• Real time fare calculation 

Cons:

• Customer service isn’t always up to the mark or professional 
• Many customers faced unprofessional behavior from the drivers 

Payment Methods:

• Cash
• Credit/debit cards
• Digital wallets 

Safety Features:

• GPS tracking
• Automatic engine fire suppression system

6. Yango

Yango is an international ride-sharing service expanding its presence in Dubai. This app uses its own mapping and routing system to get customers to their desired destinations. They prioritize both comfortable and luxury rides.

Image: Yango Ride Sharing

Features:

• Smart destination suggestion based on ride history  
• Can request up to 3 cars at once 
• Multiple vehicle options to choose from 
• Request rides for loved ones 
• Door opening option by the passengers themselves 
• Phone charger onboard 

Pros:

• Comes with multiple payment methods
• Multiple languages supported app 
• Option to ride with pets with the Pet Transport option 
• Child safety seat option for comfortable rides for children 
• Referral option to get a discount on the next ride 

Cons:

• For some users, service wasn’t always up to the mark 
• Some drivers are unprofessional and less cooperative 

Payment Methods:

• Cash
• Credit/Debit card 
• Apple Pay 

Safety Features:

• 24/7 support team 
• Emergency button 
• Precise location tracking

7. Zed

This personalized ride sharing app is making waves in Dubai with its focus on user experience and comfort. It provides both swift and dependable rides.

Image: Zed Taxi

Features:

• Travel mode editing option – colder, louder or faster 
• Ride scheduling option 
• User-friendly interface to effortless book rides in real-time 
• Quick booking process
• Option to schedule a multi-destination journey 

Pros:

• Personalized rides based on different modes – quiet or chatty ride, temperature control, ambient lighting control, music type & volume control 
• Book rides in advance 
• Option to order cold brew on the go 
• Wide range of car categories 

Cons: 

• For some users, promo codes don’t work 
• Fewer user reviews due to being a newer service

Payment Methods:

• Cash 
• Cards 

Safety Features:

• Screened and trained drivers
• Driver’s locations are tracked 
• 24/7 customer support

8. Udrive

Udrive offers a car-sharing service where users can rent cars by the minute. The process for this is simple- 

• You download the Udrive app 
• Register to the app for free 
• Then search for a car and unlock it with your phone 
• Now drive to your destination 

Image: Udrive ride sharing 

Features:

• Self-driving rental service
• Flexible rental periods
• In-app payments
• In short-term rentals – insurance, parking, and fuel are included 
• Multiple vehicle options 

Pros:

• Easy and time-saving document verification 
• No deposits or paperwork required for starting a ride 
• Pay-as-you-drive model 
• Subscription option to rent a car for as long as you need 

Cons: 

• Requires driving skills
• Availability depends on vehicle location
• Some users faced app malfunctioning issue

Payment Methods:

• Credit/Debit card 

Safety Features:

• 24/7 customer support
• Covers insurance

9. Hala Taxi

Hala Taxi is a joint venture between RTA and Careem, offering a combination of taxi and ride-sharing services. Hala offers a budget-friendly ride sharing service using a wide category of vehicles.

Image: Hala Taxi 

Features:

• Fare estimation ensures transparency 
• Real time location tracking 
• Reward points to redeem in future trips 
• Multiple vehicle options 

Pros: 

• Reliable service
• Easy to book
• Regulated fares
• Affordable rides in the Dubai city 

Cons: 

• Some drivers are unprofessional 
• Customer service support is not always up to the mark 

Payment Methods:

• Cards
• Careem Pay 
• Apple Pay 
• Cash 

Safety Features:

• GPS tracking system to monitor in real-time 
• Driver identity verification

10. Blacklane

This global chauffeur service provides a luxurious and professional experience. Blacklane is ideal for those seeking a guaranteed high-end ride with a professional driver.

Image: Blacklane Ride Sharing

Features:

• High-end vehicles
• Professional drivers
• Scheduled rides
• Airport transfers 
• Hourly or full-day hire 
• Available electric vehicles in many locations 

Pros: 

• Luxurious experience
• Reliable service
• Excellent customer support
• Professional drivers 
• Option to change or cancel any ride until 1 hour before the pickup 
• 1 hour complimentary wait time for airport pickup 
• Business accounts can request to receive monthly invoices instead of paying on a ride-by-ride basis. 

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other services
• Some users faced booking cancellation shortly before the pickup time 
• No cash payment accepted 
• Paypal and Apple Pay are not available on the website 

Payment Methods:

• Via 
• Maestro 
• Mastercard
• American Express 
• Apple Pay 
• Paypal

Safety Features:

• Professional drivers with background checks
• 24/7 Customer Care
• Live tracking of the chauffeur’s location 20 minutes before the scheduled pick-time

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ride Sharing Service in Dubai 

Choosing the right ride-sharing service can change your entire experience in Dubai. The right choice can make your rides smooth, affordable, and safe.

A few key factors can make a big difference, so before you download the first app you see, take a moment to consider these important points:

• Budget: Dubai offers a variety of ride sharing options, from budget-friendly taxis to luxurious chauffeured services. Consider your trip budget and choose an app that aligns with your spending goals.

• Availability: Not all apps operate across the entire city. If you’re staying outside the main or common tourist areas, check the app’s coverage to ensure you can get a ride when you need it.

• Safety Features: Always prioritize safety! Check for driver background checks, in-app SOS buttons, and real-time tracking options.

• Payment Methods: Confirm the service accepts your preferred payment method, whether it’s cash, credit card, or in-app payments to avoid any hassle later.

• Vehicle Options: Different services offer various types of vehicles. Choose one that fits your needs, whether it’s a budget ride or a luxury car.

Benefits of Using Ride Sharing Services in Dubai

Ride sharing services in Dubai offer many benefits. You won’t have to take the hassle of hailing a taxi standing on the road in a scorching heat. The ride sharing companies in Dubai make it easier than ever for all. 

It comes with the benefits of: 

• Convenience where you can easily book a ride and the car arrives at your doorstep. 
• Save money using ride sharing services instead of using traditional taxis. 
• Enjoy the ride hassle free as most of the ride sharing companies come with safety options like drivers’ background checks and emergency buttons. 
• Choose from a range of services from luxury rides to budget-friendly taxis. 
• Pay conveniently using different payment options.

Conclusion 

You can find a variety of ride sharing companies in Dubai offering different ride services. Your job is to consider factors that match your ride sharing needs and just tap on the “Confirm Ride” button – and you’re good to go for your commute in the vibrant city of Dubai! 

I hope this blog blog helps! Safe travels!

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