RTA Releases Tips For Tourists To Avoid Scams By Fake Taxis In Dubai

RTA Releases Tips For Tourists To Avoid Scams By Fake Taxis In Dubai

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai anytime soon, doing your research on the best ways to get around town is very important – and so is your safety. This is why Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) recently released tips to help tourists avoid being scammed by fake taxis. Here’s what you should know.

Also read: These 48 Mistakes On Dubai Public Transport Can Lead To Huge Fines

Do Fake Taxis Really Exist In Dubai?

Short answer is – yes, they do. If you’re walking around and seem a little lost of where you’re going, you might find men approaching you offering a ride. They’ll claim they’re taxi drivers and might even offer you cheaper rates to get to your destination. But here’s the catch – these drivers are using their personal vehicles and are not licensed or approved by the Dubai government. Since they’re not part of the official system, there’s no way to guarantee your safety in these situations. That’s why it’s best to avoid them completely – and know exactly what to look for in a legit RTA taxi.

How To Spot A Real RTA Taxi In Dubai

Real taxis that are part of Dubai’s RTA system are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are some key features:

  • Roof Colour: Official RTA taxis have a cream body and a distinct roof colour like red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, or pink. (Pro tip: pink roof RTA taxis are driven by female drivers, if you’re looking for extra security)
  • Taxi Sign: A real taxi has a clear taxi sign on top. (Pro tip: If the sign is yellow or not lit up, that means the taxi is available. But if the sign shows two red dots, that means the taxi is either has a customer inside or heading to pick up someone who booked through the Careem app.)
  • RTA Logo: You’ll see the RTA logo on the side of the car.
  • Driver Uniform: Drivers wear official RTA uniforms, also marked with the RTA logo.
  • Booking Through Careem? Make sure the roof colour, license plate, and driver’s photo all match the info shown in the app before you get in.

RTA Releases Tips For Tourists To Avoid Scams By Fake Taxis In Dubai

What About Private Ride Apps Like Uber Or Bolt?

If you’re using a private taxi app like Uber, Bolt, or Yango, things look a little different. These cars don’t have the RTA logos or roof colours, so here’s how to make sure you’re getting into the right vehicle:

  • Check the Car Colour: It should match what’s shown in the app. Usually they are either all white or black.
  • Match the Plate Number: Always make sure the license plate matches the one given in your app.
  • Destination Check: Confirm that the driver knows where you’re heading before you get in.
  • Driver Appearance: While they don’t wear uniforms, private drivers usually dress professionally, often in suits, so that’s another thing to look for.

RTA Releases Tips For Tourists To Avoid Scams By Fake Taxis In Dubai

Your Safety Comes First

Even in a city as safe as Dubai, it’s smart to take your own safety precautions:

  • Share your current/live location with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Get a local SIM card so you’re always connected.
  • Avoid accepting rides from strangers who approach you on the street. Politely decline and walk toward a more crowded or well-lit area if possible.

Ride Safe & Enjoy The City

Dubai makes getting around super convenient, whether you’re hailing a taxi on the street, booking through Careem, or using a ride-hailing app. Just stay aware of the signs, follow RTA’s tips, and enjoy exploring the city without any hassles. Safe travels!

You may also like: Your Guide To Unlocking FREE WiFi Across Dubai

Get Social with Gulfbuzz

Эта информационная заметка предлагает лаконичное и четкое освещение актуальных вопросов. Здесь вы найдете ключевые факты и основную информацию по теме, которые помогут вам сформировать собственное мнение и повысить уровень осведомленности.…
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this issue. I like all of the points you've made. https://www.raca365.com/
Простой и понятный гид по выбору медицинского учреждения. На что обратить внимание при выборе клиники для лечения алкоголизма и наркомании. Подробнее - http://cnacs.uog.edu.et/events/education-autumn-tour-2016
Ищите где купить обои в Смоленске? Зайдите на сайт компании Центр обоев Премьера https://smolensk.premiera-oboi.ru/ и вы найдете самый большой выбор обоев производства различных стран и брендов. Удобная сортировка – выбирайте…

More on Gulfbuzz

Discover UAE's Biggest Escape - GAME OVER Escape Rooms & Board Game Cafe
Discover UAE's Biggest Escape - GAME OVER Escape Rooms & Board Game Cafe
Dubai's Most Photogenic Eateries: 12 Cafes & Restaurants To Amp Up Your Social Feed
Dubai's Most Instagrammable Eateries: 12 Restaurants To Amp Up Your Social Feed
Top 6 New Attractions In The UAE
Top 6 New Attractions In The UAE - How Many Have You Visited?

Recommended for you

chicken wings for free this international wing day in uae
Get FREE Chicken Wings In UAE This International Wing Day
UAE Residents, Your Schengen Visa Now Unlocks These 14 Non-Schengen Countries!
UAE Residents, Your Schengen Visa Now Unlocks These 14 Non-Schengen Countries!
UAE Travel Tips: Rules You Must Know On Travelling With Cash, Jewellery & Prohibited Items In UAE
Here’s Everything You Can Get For ABSOLUTELY FREE at Dubai Airport - From Makeovers To Popcorn!
UAE residents Are Now Using This Tool To Check Travel Bans And Legal Cases Instantly
Applying for US Visa from UAE? 19 Countries Just Got Banned, Check If You’re Affected or Exempt
free airport lounge access (1050450mj)
UAE Residents, Your FREE Airport Lounge Access May Disappear Without These Steps!
chicken wings for free this international wing day in uae
Get FREE Chicken Wings In UAE This International Wing Day
UAE Residents, Your Schengen Visa Now Unlocks These 14 Non-Schengen Countries!
UAE Residents, Your Schengen Visa Now Unlocks These 14 Non-Schengen Countries!
UAE Travel Tips: Rules You Must Know On Travelling With Cash, Jewellery & Prohibited Items In UAE
Here’s Everything You Can Get For ABSOLUTELY FREE at Dubai Airport - From Makeovers To Popcorn!
UAE residents Are Now Using This Tool To Check Travel Bans And Legal Cases Instantly
Applying for US Visa from UAE? 19 Countries Just Got Banned, Check If You’re Affected or Exempt
free airport lounge access (1050450mj)
UAE Residents, Your FREE Airport Lounge Access May Disappear Without These Steps!

Most Popular

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi - Whittaker Battles Reiner de Ridder This July
Whittaker vs. de Ridder At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi 2025 - All You Need To Know!
petrol price (1050450mj)
Fuel Prices Are Up In UAE For July - Here’s What You’ll Pay
The Big Boom Brunch Is Back At Boom Battle Bar - Bigger, Bolder & Boozier Than Ever!
The Big Boom Brunch Is Back At Boom Battle Bar - Bigger, Bolder & Boozier Than Ever!
Income Tax Is Coming To The GCC For The First Time - What You Need To Know
Income Tax Is Coming To The GCC For The First Time - What You Need To Know
Milky Way Galaxy Will Be Visible In UAE
The Milky Way Galaxy Will Be Visible In UAE This June 21st! 5 Viewing Spots For The Best Experience
UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi - Whittaker Battles Reiner de Ridder This July
Whittaker vs. de Ridder At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi 2025 - All You Need To Know!
petrol price (1050450mj)
Fuel Prices Are Up In UAE For July - Here’s What You’ll Pay
The Big Boom Brunch Is Back At Boom Battle Bar - Bigger, Bolder & Boozier Than Ever!
The Big Boom Brunch Is Back At Boom Battle Bar - Bigger, Bolder & Boozier Than Ever!
Income Tax Is Coming To The GCC For The First Time - What You Need To Know
Income Tax Is Coming To The GCC For The First Time - What You Need To Know
Milky Way Galaxy Will Be Visible In UAE
The Milky Way Galaxy Will Be Visible In UAE This June 21st! 5 Viewing Spots For The Best Experience