Have you noticed these classic jeeps? Ras Al Khaimah is set to reintroduce vintage-style taxi services starting December 13, giving residents and visitors a nostalgic ride through the emirate’s streets.
Spot these iconic jeeps? Ras Al Khaimah brings back vintage taxis on December 13.
Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah will soon have a new and distinctive way to experience the emirate, as a fleet of vintage-style taxis prepares to take to the roads, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern convenience. Designed to reflect the UAE’s heritage while catering to today’s travelers, these classic vehicles will operate on selected routes that pass through some of Ras Al Khaimah’s most well-known attractions and scenic areas. The initiative is intended to provide tourists with more than just transportation, turning everyday travel into a memorable part of their visit.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has confirmed that the new Classic Taxi Service is scheduled to officially begin operations on December 12, 2025. The launch forms part of the emirate’s broader strategy to diversify transportation services while supporting the continued growth of its tourism sector. By introducing taxis inspired by heritage designs, RAKTA aims to celebrate local culture and history, while also offering visitors a unique way to move around the city.
The vintage taxis are expected to appeal to both tourists and residents who are looking for a more character-filled travel experience. Unlike standard taxis, these vehicles are designed to evoke a sense of the past, drawing inspiration from classic automotive styles that reflect the region’s history. At the same time, they will be equipped with modern safety features and operated under current transport regulations, ensuring comfort, reliability, and efficiency for passengers.
According to RAKTA, the service will focus on routes that are popular with visitors, including areas near hotels, heritage sites, waterfront destinations, and other key attractions. This approach is intended to make sightseeing more accessible while encouraging visitors to explore different parts of the emirate in an engaging and enjoyable way. The introduction of the service also supports Ras Al Khaimah’s vision of positioning itself as a destination that blends tradition with innovation.
The Classic Taxi Service is part of a wider effort by the transport authority to expand mobility options and improve connectivity across the emirate. By offering a range of transport choices, RAKTA aims to meet the needs of a growing number of visitors while enhancing the overall quality of the travel experience. Officials have noted that transportation plays a vital role in shaping how tourists perceive a destination, and initiatives like this are designed to leave a lasting positive impression.
Beyond its functional role, the vintage taxi service is also expected to contribute to the emirate’s cultural and visual identity. The presence of classic vehicles on the roads is likely to attract attention, spark curiosity, and become a popular feature for photographs and social media sharing. This, in turn, may help promote Ras Al Khaimah as a destination that values its heritage while continuing to evolve.
With the launch date set for December 12, 2025, anticipation is already building for this unique addition to the emirate’s transport network. By combining heritage-inspired design with practical mobility, Ras Al Khaimah is offering visitors a new way to explore its landscapes, attractions, and culture—one that turns a simple taxi ride into an experience rooted in history and style.
The newly introduced service will be available every day during the evening hours, operating from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. This carefully selected timeframe is intended to enhance the visitor experience by offering transport during the most visually appealing and relaxed part of the day. As daylight fades and the surroundings take on a more atmospheric character, passengers will be able to enjoy scenic journeys that complement the service’s traditional inspiration and distinctive visual style. The evening-focused schedule also caters to tourists and residents seeking leisurely outings after daytime activities, making it a practical and appealing mobility option.
This initiative forms part of a wider strategy aimed at broadening transportation offerings across the emirate, while simultaneously celebrating Ras Al Khaimah’s rich heritage and cultural identity. By integrating elements of tradition into a modern transport solution, the service reflects a thoughtful balance between innovation and preservation. It not only addresses mobility needs but also serves as a moving showcase of the emirate’s history, reinforcing a sense of place and local pride among both visitors and the community.
The taxis will operate along carefully planned routes designed to maximize accessibility and convenience for users. One of the primary routes will facilitate internal travel within Al Marjan Island, enabling seamless movement between hotels, resorts, beaches, and entertainment venues. This internal circulation is expected to ease travel for visitors staying on the island, reducing reliance on private vehicles while enhancing overall mobility.
In addition to internal routes, the service will include a dedicated connection linking Al Marjan Island with the Al Qawasim Corniche. This route will operate in both directions, ensuring smooth and efficient access between the island and the mainland waterfront. The connection is particularly significant, as it bridges two prominent leisure areas, allowing passengers to explore a wider range of attractions without logistical challenges.
A third route will extend along the Al Qawasim Corniche itself, providing convenient transport across this popular waterfront destination. The Corniche route is designed to serve visitors heading to dining spots, public spaces, cultural landmarks, and recreational areas, offering a comfortable and visually engaging way to move along the coastline.
Collectively, the network has been structured to strengthen links between major tourism, leisure, and lifestyle destinations. Beyond simple point-to-point travel, the experience is intended to feel immersive, with every journey reflecting a sense of heritage and nostalgia. By blending functionality with cultural storytelling, the service transforms everyday transportation into an engaging experience, encouraging exploration while highlighting the unique character of Ras Al Khaimah.
Speaking about the launch of the initiative, Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), emphasized that the introduction of the new service represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening the Emirate’s overall transportation ecosystem. He explained that the service has been carefully designed to broaden the range of mobility solutions available across Ras Al Khaimah, ensuring that both residents and visitors have access to transport options that are not only efficient but also aligned with diverse lifestyle and tourism needs.
According to Al Blooshi, the newly launched Classic Taxi Service stands out as more than a conventional means of transport. By drawing inspiration from traditional design and cultural themes, the service reflects the unique heritage and identity of Ras Al Khaimah. He noted that this approach allows transportation to play a role beyond functionality, transforming everyday journeys into experiences that resonate with the Emirate’s history and character. In doing so, the service supports the wider tourism sector by offering visitors a distinctive way to explore key destinations while gaining a deeper appreciation of the local culture.
Al Blooshi further highlighted that the Classic Taxi Service aligns closely with Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing efforts to enhance its appeal as a tourism destination. As the Emirate continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors, there is a growing need for transport solutions that combine convenience, comfort, and a sense of place. The introduction of culturally inspired mobility options, he said, helps differentiate Ras Al Khaimah from other destinations by offering experiences that are both memorable and authentic.
In addition, Al Blooshi stressed that innovation remains a central pillar of RAKTA’s long-term vision. The authority, he explained, is continuously working to introduce new services and upgrade existing systems to ensure they keep pace with the Emirate’s rapid development. As Ras Al Khaimah expands its infrastructure, hospitality offerings, and leisure attractions, the transport sector must evolve in parallel to support this growth. The new service is one example of how RAKTA is proactively responding to these changes by implementing solutions that are modern, efficient, and forward-looking.
He added that RAKTA’s commitment to innovation extends beyond technology alone. While digital systems, smart transport solutions, and operational efficiency remain priorities, equal importance is placed on creativity and user experience. By incorporating cultural storytelling into mobility services, RAKTA aims to create transport networks that are not only practical but also engaging and meaningful. This holistic approach ensures that transport plays an active role in shaping how people experience the Emirate.
Al Blooshi also pointed out that the introduction of the Classic Taxi Service reflects RAKTA’s broader strategy to diversify mobility offerings across Ras Al Khaimah. Rather than relying on a single model of transport, the authority seeks to provide a variety of options that cater to different preferences, purposes, and travel patterns. This diversification enhances accessibility, reduces congestion, and improves overall connectivity between major residential areas, tourism hubs, and leisure destinations.
Furthermore, he noted that improving connectivity remains a key objective for RAKTA, particularly in areas that attract high visitor traffic. By linking prominent destinations through well-planned routes, the authority aims to facilitate smoother movement across the Emirate while encouraging exploration. The new service contributes to this goal by strengthening links between popular waterfronts, island developments, and cultural areas, making it easier for residents and tourists to move between them.
Concluding his remarks, Al Blooshi reaffirmed RAKTA’s commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for sustainable growth and tourism development. He emphasized that initiatives such as the Classic Taxi Service are part of a wider effort to create distinctive, high-quality mobility solutions that reflect the Emirate’s evolving identity. Through continuous innovation and thoughtful planning, RAKTA aims to position Ras Al Khaimah as a benchmark for modern, efficient, and culturally enriched transport services in the region.
