Dubai’s RTA has expanded its shared-taxi service, adding Al Maktoum Airport and the World Trade Centre to its route network, offering commuters more convenient, cost-effective travel options across key city destinations.
Dubai: RTA broadens shared-taxi service to cover Al Maktoum Airport and World Trade Centre
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday that its taxi-pooling service — which lets several travellers share one vehicle and split the fare — has now been extended to two additional points between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The ride-sharing system was initially launched in November of last year, running exclusively on the route connecting Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai with Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi.
RTA has now broadened the service to cover two new major destinations: Al Maktoum International Airport, offering shared rides to Dubai Marina Mall, Business Bay Metro Station and the Palm Jumeirah – Atlantis Monorail Station; and Dubai World Trade Centre, providing routes to Business Bay Metro Station, Al Satwa Bus Station and Dubai Marina Mall.
The authority said the move comes after the programme’s strong performance last year, with many commuters adopting it as a practical, quick and cost-friendly transportation solution.
“The shared route between Ibn Battuta Mall and Al Wahda Mall recorded an exceptional jump of 228 per cent in passengers opting for it when travelling between the emirates. This remarkable growth prompted us to widen the service on a trial basis to cover two more key locations,” said Adel Shakri, director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
He explained that the primary aim is to help commuters reduce their travel expenses, noting that allowing multiple people to ride in one taxi also supports traffic reduction efforts by limiting the number of vehicles on the road.
Shakri added that this model contributes to easing congestion and delivers clear environmental advantages by cutting carbon emissions. It has additionally assisted in reducing the presence of unauthorised transport operators.
The RTA also highlighted that the shared taxi initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader mobility strategy, which prioritises smart, sustainable and inclusive transport solutions. By offering more shared options, the authority aims to encourage residents and visitors to rely less on private cars, ultimately supporting cleaner urban mobility and reducing overall congestion across major highways.
Officials added that the newly added routes were selected based on high passenger demand, connectivity needs and feedback from frequent commuters. Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai World Trade Centre are among the city’s busiest hubs, making them strategic points for shared mobility services that benefit tourists, business travellers and daily inter-emirate passengers alike.
RTA confirmed that passenger response during the trial period will determine whether the expanded shared taxi network becomes permanent. The authority is monitoring ridership statistics, customer satisfaction levels and operational efficiency to ensure the service continues to meet community needs. If successful, additional routes across other key districts may be introduced in future phases.
