Is a private taxi allowed in the UAE? Carpooling rules and how to check your driver

Is it legal to use a private taxi in Dubai?

A taxi is legal when it carries an RTA licence. A private person with a car who takes cash for a ride is not.

RTA said in April 2026 that using unlicensed taxis violates Executive Council Resolution No. 6 of 2016, and that violators face a fine of up to AED 5,000 plus impoundment of the vehicle. It restated in June 2026 that running passenger transport without a licence is a violation.

RTA tells the public to use licensed taxis or vehicles run by companies it contracts, and to book and pay through official RTA apps or other secure payment methods.

Is carpooling allowed between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Not for money, and not informally. Abu Dhabi Police have warned that sharing private cars for payment is prohibited and that only licensed taxis and carriers may carry people to destinations. That warning dates from 2018, so it is older, but the penalty it quotes matches the current police schedule below.

We found no official Dubai carpool scheme that allows paid rides in a private car today. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi transfer is a road trip where informal lift offers are common. Our guide to car lifts from Dubai to Abu Dhabi covers the options.

Is it legal to pay a friend for a ride?

The rules cover carrying passengers for payment without a licence. We found no official wording that excuses a paid lift between friends, so do not assume one exists. Ask RTA on 800 90 90 if you are unsure.

What are the fines for illegal passenger transport?

Emirate	Penalty	Source
Dubai	Fine up to AED 5,000 and vehicle impoundment	RTA, April and June 2026
Abu Dhabi	AED 3,000, 24 traffic points, 30 days’ impoundment	Abu Dhabi Police

The press reports on the Dubai penalty do not say whether passengers can also be penalised. Do not assume you are safe as the rider.

How can you tell a licensed limousine or chauffeur car?

We could not find an RTA page that lists the plate, permit card and badge markings in a form we can quote, so we will not guess at them. Use checks you can confirm:

• The company gives its legal name and RTA licence details before you pay.
• You can match the licence details by phoning RTA on 800 90 90.
• The booking is confirmed in writing, with the car, time and pickup point.
• Payment goes to the company.

Our fuller guide, RTA-licensed limousines explained, covers how the licence works. For how Assure operates, see about Assure, and our chauffeur service and limousine service pages.

What happens if something goes wrong in an unlicensed car?

RTA lists the risks of unlicensed taxis as assault, theft and fraud. RTA says vehicles run by companies it contracts are monitored through smart control systems, and a licensed company is someone you can complain to. With an unlicensed driver you have a plate number at best.

For the wider safety picture, read is Dubai safe.

Questions to ask a chauffeur company before booking

1. What is the company’s legal name and RTA licence?
2. Is the quote in writing, with the pickup, drop-off and vehicle?
3. Who is the named driver, and will the car and plate details be sent before pickup?
4. How do I pay, and to whom?
5. What is the waiting policy if my flight is late?

For how a chauffeur compares with a street taxi or an app, see chauffeur vs taxi vs Uber and Uber vs Careem vs taxi.

Why do touts approach passengers at airports, and how do you say no?

Arrivals halls are the easiest place to find a tired traveller with luggage. A tout offers a quick ride, often with no quote. Decline politely and walk on. Your pre-booked driver waits in arrivals with a board showing your name and messages you on WhatsApp.

If you are on your own in Abu Dhabi, the getting around Abu Dhabi guide lists licensed options.

Where do you report an illegal operator?

RTA’s customer line is 800 90 90, and the email is ask@rta.ae. Give the plate number, place, time and what was asked of you. For the wider choices open to you in the city, return to the Dubai travel guide.