Getting around Dubai should not depend on whether you can transfer easily into a standard car seat. For People of Determination, the RTA and Dubai Taxi Corporation run a dedicated accessible taxi service with vehicles designed for wheelchair users and passengers who need more space, more time and a driver trained to help. This guide explains what the vehicles are like, how to book, and the details that make a trip run smoothly.
What the Accessible Taxi Service Offers
The accessible vehicles β often called the Taxi of Determination β are larger vans rather than ordinary saloons. They are fitted with a rear lift or ramp, secure wheelchair locking points inside, and a higher roof and wider doorway so most powered and manual wheelchairs can roll in without the passenger having to leave the chair.
Drivers on this service are selected and trained for passenger assistance, including securing chairs correctly, helping with seatbelts, and allowing extra boarding time at the kerb. A companion can usually travel alongside the wheelchair user, and there is room for folded mobility aids or shopping. Mention a large powered chair when you book.
How to Book, Step by Step
Advance booking is the reliable route, especially at busy times such as school hours or around major events. The main booking channels are:
- RTA channels: Book through the RTA website at rta.ae or the RTA and S’hail apps, selecting the accessible or People of Determination taxi option where shown.
- Dubai Taxi dispatch: Request an accessible vehicle through Dubai Taxi Corporation’s booking service and clearly state that you need the wheelchair-accessible van, not a standard taxi.
- Careem app: In Dubai, taxis booked through Careem come from the RTA fleet β check the vehicle options in the app, as categories can change.
- At key locations: Staff at Dubai International Airport, major hospitals and large malls can often help request an accessible taxi at a rank, although availability is not guaranteed without a pre-booking.
When you book, be ready with the pick-up point and a landmark, the destination, the type of wheelchair you use, whether you will travel in the chair or transfer to a seat, and how many companions are coming. Ask for the booking reference, and keep your phone on in case the driver needs a step-free entrance.
Fares, Discounts and Cards to Check
Accessible taxis generally run on the standard RTA taxi meter, with the usual flagfall and per-kilometre charges, plus any tolls or airport surcharges that apply to your route. Confirm the current tariff on rta.ae before a long journey, as fares change.
Some People of Determination are entitled to fare discounts or exemptions linked to their official status and cards. If you hold a People of Determination card issued in Dubai, or a Sanad card, ask RTA or Dubai Taxi at the time of booking what discount, if any, applies to your trip and what you need to show the driver. Do not assume a discount is applied automatically β confirm eligibility before you travel.
Practical Tips for a Comfortable Trip
Book earlier than you would for a standard taxi, particularly for hospital appointments and flights, because there are fewer accessible vehicles in the fleet. Build in a buffer: loading, securing a chair and unloading safely takes extra minutes by design.
At pick-up, wait at a step-free spot where a van can stop legally and lower its lift β a hotel forecourt, hospital drop-off bay or mall taxi entrance works better than a narrow side street. Tell the driver anything that helps, such as a preferred securing position or a sensitive medical device. If a vehicle arrives that cannot safely carry your chair, do not feel pressured to use it β ask dispatch for a replacement.
Dubai’s accessible taxi service is one of the most practical parts of the city’s transport network when you know it exists. Book ahead through RTA or Dubai Taxi, describe your chair and needs clearly, and confirm any discount before you set off β and the city, from the Marina to Al Qusais, becomes far easier to reach on your own terms.