My Dubai Taxi Experience: 2 Hacks Every First-Time Student Should Know

When I travelled to Dubai in May this year for a university campus tour, I expected to explore universities, understand the city and experience life in Dubai as a student. But one of the things that unexpectedly caught my attention was something as simple as travelling in taxis.

For a student visiting Dubai for the first time, taxis can become an important part of daily life. Whether you are travelling from your accommodation to university, going to the supermarket, visiting a mall or simply exploring the city, you will probably end up using a cab quite often.

During my trip, I primarily came across the two names that are very popular for cab bookings in Dubai — Uber and Careem. Just like in India, these platforms have different categories depending on the type of vehicle and service you choose. However, one category that particularly caught my attention was Hala.

Hala: An Economical Option

My friend and I used Hala during our trip because it is one of the more economical options for getting around Dubai. What surprised me was the quality of the vehicle.

We ended up sitting in a Lexus ES300h!

For someone coming from India, seeing a Lexus being used as a regular taxi was quite surprising. It made me realise that Dubai has a very different taxi ecosystem when it comes to the variety and quality of vehicles being used.

And this brings me to the first interesting hack I discovered.

Hack 1: Look for a Taxi Already on the Road

While travelling around Dubai, I learned that there can be a difference between catching a taxi directly from the road and booking one through an application.

When a taxi is available and you catch it directly, the meter can start at around AED 5 during quieter periods and around AED 8 during busy periods. However, when you book through an application, the starting fare can be higher — around AED 10 during low-demand periods and approximately AED 12–13 during busy periods.

The exact fare can vary depending on the taxi type, time, location and applicable charges, so students should always check the current fare structure before travelling.

For short-distance journeys, especially when you are already standing near a main road or a designated taxi area, catching an available taxi can potentially save you some money.

Hack 2: Check for Promotions Before Booking

My second discovery was even more interesting.

While sitting in one of the taxis, I noticed a promotional card hanging inside the vehicle. It introduced another cab-booking application called ZED Cabs.

At that time, the application was offering a flat 40% discount on the first five rides by using the promo code WELCOMEZED. There were also referral offers for introducing the service to friends.

Now, my Indian mind immediately started calculating the savings!

I had two phone numbers, so I created accounts using both. My friend also used the offer, allowing us to maximise the promotional benefits available at that time.

Of course, students should always check the current terms and conditions before using any promotional code. Offers change frequently, and creating multiple accounts solely to bypass promotional restrictions may violate a company's terms.

But the bigger lesson is simple: before booking a taxi in Dubai, check whether there is a current first-ride, student, referral or promotional discount available.

For students trying to manage their monthly expenses, even small savings on multiple rides can add up.

Dubai's Taxi System Is Surprisingly Easy to Identify

Another thing I really liked about Dubai's taxi system was how easy it is to identify the different taxis.

The taxis have different roof colours depending on the operator. This makes it easier to identify your cab, especially when several taxis are waiting at the same location.

You can also verify the vehicle using its registration number before getting in.

This is particularly useful when you are booking through an application. Instead of simply looking for a car, you can match the vehicle and registration details shown in the booking information with the actual taxi.

The Cars Were the Biggest Surprise

But honestly, the biggest thing that caught my attention was the cars themselves.

Some of the vehicles being used as taxis in Dubai are cars that many people in India would consider dream cars.

During my trip, I came across vehicles such as:

• Lexus ES300h

• Toyota Camry

• Toyota Fortuner

• Toyota Land Cruiser

• BYD vehicles

• Tesla

• And several other premium and modern vehicles

Seeing cars like the Lexus ES300h and Toyota Land Cruiser operating as taxis was something I definitely wasn't expecting.

It also shows how different the automotive environment in Dubai can be compared with India.

Drivers From Around the World

Another interesting part of travelling by taxi was meeting drivers from different countries.

During my rides, I came across drivers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries. Dubai is an incredibly international city, and its taxi network reflects that diversity.

Despite coming from different backgrounds, the drivers were generally familiar with the city's roads and major landmarks, which can be especially helpful when you are new to Dubai.

How Quickly Do Taxis Arrive?

One thing that impressed me was the speed of the taxi service.

When booking through an application, the estimated arrival time was often very short. In busy areas, taxis were readily available, although availability and waiting times naturally depend on the location and demand.

For a student, this can make daily commuting much more convenient, particularly when you need to reach a university, airport, metro station or accommodation on time.

My Advice to Students Travelling to Dubai

If you are travelling to Dubai for the first time, my biggest advice would be: don't just book the first cab you see. Compare your options.

Check Uber, Careem/Hala and any legitimate local taxi promotions available at the time. For longer journeys, compare the estimated fares before confirming. For shorter journeys, if you are already near a taxi stand or a passing taxi, a direct taxi may sometimes be more economical.

Also remember that Dubai has an excellent public transport network, including the Metro and buses. As a student, using public transport for regular routes and taxis when convenience is more important can be a much better way to manage your monthly transportation budget.

Final Takeaway

My university campus tour in Dubai gave me much more than just an opportunity to explore universities. Even something as ordinary as taking a taxi became an interesting learning experience.

From discovering the Hala category and understanding how taxi fares can differ, to finding promotional offers and sitting in a Lexus ES300h, travelling around Dubai gave me a glimpse into how different everyday transportation can be there.

And if there is one thing I would tell every student visiting Dubai for the first time, it would be this:

Explore the city, compare your options, look for legitimate offers, and don't forget to look at the car you're sitting in — because in Dubai, your everyday taxi might just be someone's dream car back home!