How to Create a Taxi App in Dubai Better Than Hala, Careem, and Uber?

4 Reasons to Launch a Taxi App Business in Dubai

In today’s competitive online taxi market, entrepreneurs seek to invest in ride-hailing apps like Uber, Hala, and Careem. Factors like high market growth, incredible digital infrastructure, government regulations for smart mobility, etc., are some of the reasons why entrepreneurs seek to develop a taxi booking app in Dubai:

1Market Size and User Growth

Dubai doesn’t have any specific data for the ride-hailing market; however, if we talk about the UAE, the market is expected to generate a revenue of $203.67 million by the end of 2025. The market is growing with a CAGR of 5.73%, which will reach $254.51 million by 2029. This growth is driven by a high smartphone penetration rate of 91% and a tech-savvy population.

2Dubai’s Digital Infrastructure

Undoubtedly, Dubai boasts world-class digital infrastructure, whether you talk about 5G connectivity, smart traffic systems, or widespread digital payments. These advancements support real-time tracking, seamless app performance, and scalable ride-hailing operations, which leads entrepreneurs to invest in the ride-hailing business.

3Government Regulations That Favor Smart Mobility

Government regulations like RTA, which stands for Roads and Transport Authority, actively promote smart mobility solutions. This simplifies market entry for startups. In Dubai, initiatives like autonomous vehicle trials and app-based taxi licensing frameworks create a regulated, innovation-friendly environment.

4Expo 2030 and Tourism Impact

Do you know Dubai aims to attract 25 million visitors annually by the end of 2025? This boosts demand for reliable transport. Dubai’s tourism appeal creates a growing need for fast and user-friendly taxi apps that can serve both residents and international travelers.

So these are the four reasons that lead you to create a taxi app in Dubai. As we’ve talked about the top online taxi booking apps in Dubai, including Hala, Careem, and Uber, let’s find out some statistics and facts about the same.

Hala, Careem and Uber Facts & Statistics: Top Taxi Booking Apps in Dubai

Hala, Careem, and Uber are the top Dubai ride-hailing apps. These apps are on top due to their incredible offerings, including convenience, reliability, and diverse service offerings. Let’s review the market of these trending taxi apps in Dubai:

Hala (Launched in 2019)

• Hala Taxi is a mid-level player with a unique focus on integrating with RTA taxis in Dubai.
• The Hala taxi app has more than 50,000 downloads on the Play Store.
• RTA plans to shift 80% of taxi trips from street-hailing to e-hailing, with Hala playing a central role in this transition.
• Over 9 million trips were booked in 2022, which makes for a 40% growth from the previous year.
• As of 2025, Hala manages a platform with 21,000 drivers and a fleet of 12,000 cars provided by franchise partners.

Opportunities Where Hala Falls Short: Limited app features compared to global competitors, only operates in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, and has no dedicated loyalty and rewards program for daily users.

Careem (Launched in 2012)

• Careem is a super app that initially focused on top ride-hailing apps in Dubai and the UAE, which was acquired by Uber in 2019.
• It operates in over 100 cities across 13 countries worldwide.
• Careem has over 50 million registered users worldwide, which makes it one of the top ride-hailing apps.
• In 2022, Careem registered over 92 million rides, where millions of rides solely from the UAE.
• Careem has generated over $352 million in revenue in 2022.

Opportunities Where Careem Falls Short: Surge pricing during peak hours, ride availability issues in non-urban areas, and super app complexity overwhelm users focused on ride services only.

Uber (Launched in 2013)

• Uber launched its services in Dubai in 2013, and as of 2025, it holds 65% of the UAE online taxi booking service market share.
• As of 2025, Uber has over 161 million active users worldwide.
• Uber is the largest taxi booking app in the world, which completed 2.87 billion trips in quarter 3 in 2024 alone.
• Uber operates in over 10,000 cities across 65 countries, which is the highest for any ride-hailing app in the world.
• The company has generated 43.9 billion in revenue in 2024.

Opportunities Where Uber Falls Short: High commission cuts, pricing fluctuations, and a lack of localized features, according to the UAE and Dubai culture and needs.

After analyzing the statistics and facts of these market giants, you may start thinking about how you can make your app compete with these companies. Well, let’s find out how to launch a taxi app in Dubai better than the existing one:

How to Build a Taxi App Better Than Hala, Careem and Uber?

To create a taxi app like Careem, Uber, and Hala, you must follow the steps that were not followed by anyone earlier. It sounds daunting, but with the right steps, it is achievable. Follow the five steps mentioned below for on-demand taxi app development in Dubai that competes with top existing players:

Focus on Hyper-Localization & Cultural Relevance

The first step that will help you build a taxi app like Careem and Uber is that you must focus on hyper-localization and cultural relevance. Tailor your app experience to Dubai’s unique user base, offer Arabic language support, integrate with Salik toll tracking, enable fare estimates in AED, and cater to local user behavior. For example, pre-booking for airport rides or prayer time pauses.

Fix Gaps in Pricing Transparency & Surge Logic

As mentioned above, opportunities where Careem- and Uber-like apps fall short are pricing fluctuations and surge pricing, so tackle this issue. Introduce clear, consistent, and fair pricing with no surprise surges. Consider a smart pricing model that explains fare fluctuations and builds trust, a key area where users are dissatisfied with existing players.

Build a Driver-Centric Model with Better Incentives

The third step that helps you with ride-hailing app development in Dubai and the UAE is building a driver-centric model with better incentives. Ensure driver satisfaction through lower commissions, fast payouts, real-time support, and fuel discounts. Remember, happy drivers mean better service quality and reliability, which major players often struggle to maintain consistently.

Offer Unique Features with Real User Value

Consider what features are truly valuable to users or what features are still lacking from the best taxi apps already available, like Uber. Go beyond basics by including features like live traffic heat maps, ride-sharing with colleagues, loyalty rewards, child-safe rides with verified drivers, and secure women-only ride options. These features add competitive differentiation and help you to compete with top players.

Integrate Seamlessly with Dubai’s Smart Mobility Ecosystem

The last step in this scenario is to integrate the application seamlessly with the smart mobility ecosystem of Dubai. Partner with the RTA for regulatory ease and ensure compatibility with Dubai’s smart mobility goals. Apart from that, integrate Nol card payments, smart city APIs, and compliance-ready tech that supports future autonomous transport.

After learning the five essential steps to create a taxi app like Uber, Careem, and Hala, you should now look at the development process to gain a better grasp of app development.

Taxi Booking App Development: 7 Steps to Follow

You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why create a taxi app without understanding the development process? Let’s examine the steps to develop a taxi booking app:

1Market Research & Competitor Analysis

Your app can’t succeed without proper market research that includes several things, including competitor analysis, user pain points, etc. Study Dubai’s transportation habits and regulatory environment while doing market research.

Analyze features, gaps, and user reviews of Hala, Careem, and Uber and incorporate them into your taxi app. Define your unique value proposition to create a taxi app in Dubai better than Uber and Careem.

2Define App Scope – MVP vs White Label vs Full Version

You have three choices: either you develop a minimum viable product (MVP), go with a white-label ride share app, or develop a full version of your app.

MVP: Minimum viable product focuses on creating a basic version of the product with only the essential features, which is built to satisfy early adopters.

White Label/Pre-Built: White label taxi booking app is a ready-made solution, which is one of the most cost-effective options to launch a taxi app.

Full Version: This ride-hailing app development contains rich features, which are costly and take time to launch.
You have to choose the right one by seeing the features you require or according to your business needs, budget, app scope, and your future goals.

3UI/UX Design with Local Preferences

After defining your app scope, the user interface and user experience with local preferences take place. Design a user-friendly interface with localization, for example, multilingual language support including Arabic, English, etc., and AED pricing.

Apart from that, you must include dark mode, one-click rebooking, and accessibility options while doing UI/UX design. Moreover, diverse payment options, a clear, intuitive interface, safety features, and the specific needs of drivers and users are crucial to consider while designing UI/UX.

4Backend Development & API Integrations

When you complete designing UI/UX, you go with backend development and API integrations. Build a scalable architecture using Node.js, Firebase, or AWS; these are tools for backend and frontend development.

Integrate RTA APIs for compliance or add Google Maps or Mapbox for navigation when you create a ride-sharing app. Here, payment gateway integration also takes place, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, etc. Moreover, integrate SMS/email for real-time notifications.

5Driver App & Admin Panel Development

Creating a separate driver app with onboarding, an earnings dashboard, navigation tools, ride request management, trip history, etc., is crucial. Focus on giving the best experience to drivers so that they stay motivated, deliver excellent service, and remain loyal to your platform.

Moreover, create a robust admin panel with features including trip monitoring, user management, fare adjustments, a dashboard, and analytics. Admin app is one of the crucial parts of the taxi app since it allows admins to manage everything from a single interface.

6Testing & RTA Compliance

After completing the development process, you must ensure the application is bug-free. To check this, conduct a quality assurance test for performance, security, and localization. Quality check is an inevitable step in app development that demands money but ensures the app is ready to launch.

Additionally, apply for RTA approvals and ensure data security compliance with UAE laws. You must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

7Launch, Monitor, and Scale

The last step of taxi app development in Dubai is to launch, monitor, and scale your taxi app. Build a strong market and referral programs before launching your taxi app. After launching, monitor user feedback, trip performance, and driver behavior.

After you are done with launching and monitoring, you must scale your taxi up by integrating future trending features and technological advancements. To scale, add premium features like ride subscriptions, corporate tie-ups, etc.

Also Read: How to Build a Ride-Hailing App Like Bolt?

Key Features That You Must Integrate in a Taxi Booking App

The most crucial component of taxi booking software that determines its success or failure is its features. Ultimately, you have to choose which features to include in the app before you begin the development process. Let's examine the essential features that you must include to create a taxi app:

User Panel

A user panel is like the heart of a taxi booking app because it connects passengers with drivers. It manages bookings and enhances the overall user experience. Let’s find out the key features that must be integrated into the user panel:

Ride Booking: Allows users to quickly book a ride by selecting pickup and drop-off locations with just a few taps.

Real-Time Tracking: Let passengers track their assigned driver’s location in real time on the map.

Fare Estimator: Provides an estimated fare before confirming the ride, helping users make informed decisions.

Payment Options: Offers multiple secure payment methods, including cards, wallets, and cash for convenience.

In-App Chat: Enables direct communication between driver and rider for smooth coordination.

SOS Button: Ensures safety by letting users instantly alert emergency contacts or authorities in case of danger.

Driver Panel

A driver panel is crucial for both drivers and the company’s efficiency. It provides drivers with imperative information and allows for real-time communication, and of course, it impacts driver satisfaction. Let’s find out the key features of a driver panel:

Status Management: Allows drivers to set their availability (online/offline) to start or stop receiving ride requests.

Ride Request Management: Let drivers accept or reject ride requests and view ride details in real time.

Navigation: Provides turn-by-turn directions and optimized routes for quicker and safer travel.

Profile Management: Enables drivers to update personal details, vehicle information, and documents.

Trip History: Displays a record of completed rides, dates, earnings, and route details.

Ratings & Earnings: Shows user ratings and detailed daily or weekly earnings summaries to track performance.

Admin panel

An admin panel is just as crucial as the user and driver panels since it helps the admin to manage the entire operation. This panel helps in connecting drivers and passengers and ensures smooth service delivery. The features that you must incorporate when you create a ride-sharing app are:

Dispatch Management: Allows the admin to manually assign or reassign drivers to ride requests when needed.

User Management: Lets the admin view, manage, and support both rider and driver accounts effectively.

Fleet Control: Helps monitor and manage all registered vehicles, including their status and compliance.

Promo Management: Enables creation and tracking of promotional codes, discounts, and marketing offers.

Analytics Dashboard: Provides insights into ride volume, revenue, user activity, and operational performance through real-time data.

Optional

Some extra key features may be considered when you develop a taxi booking app to enhance overall app performance and give a better user experience to both users and drivers. The optional features include:

Loyalty Program: Rewards frequent users with points, discounts, or free rides to boost retention and satisfaction.

Corporate Ride Panel: Offers businesses a dedicated dashboard to manage employee rides, billing, and travel policies.

Multilingual Support: Enables users and drivers to interact with the app in their preferred language, improving accessibility.

We have covered the features that will help make a successful app like Hala, Careem, and Uber. Now, the question is, how much does it cost to build a taxi app like Uber and Careem? Let’s find out:

Also Read: Top 10 Features for a Successful Uber Clone App

Cost to Develop a Taxi Booking App in Dubai

The estimated cost to build a taxi app like Hala and Careem is somewhere between 180,000 AED and 1,500,000 AED. However, you can start building a taxi booking app like Careem and Uber for less than 20,000 AED. Wondering how?

If you go with a white-label ride share app, you may develop a taxi booking app for less than 20,000 AED. You may launch your taxi app without having to start from scratch, unlike custom app development, by using a white-label taxi app, which is a pre-built and configurable solution.

The cost to develop a white-label taxi app may range from 20,000 AED to 150,000 AED. The cost depends on the complexity, customization, and scalability of the application.

Let’s analyze the table to understand both white label and custom ride-hailing app development costs based on the complexity:

White Label Taxi Booking App

Custom Taxi Booking App Solution

Factors Affecting Taxi Booking App Development Cost

The factors that impact cost are as follows:

• Features and their complexity
• Platform selection (iOS, Android, or Native vs hybrid)
• Backend tech and infrastructure
• Design customization
• Third-party integrations
• Need for security and compliance measures
• Maintenance and updates
• Team development size and location

Before wrapping up, let’s find out some strategies that will help you make your taxi business profitable in Dubai.

Also Read: Cost of Building a Ride-Sharing App Like Uber & Lyft!

Tips to Make Your Taxi Business Profitable in Dubai and the UAE

In the fast-growing transportation sector of the UAE, standing out and staying profitable takes more than just having an app. Here are four proven strategies to help you boost revenue, attract riders, and build a long-term, successful taxi business:

Dynamic Pricing Model

Using a dynamic pricing model allows you to adjust fares based on demand, traffic conditions, or peak hours. This strategy helps maximize earnings during high-demand periods like weekends, events, or rush hour. It’s a win-win; drivers earn more, and riders get reliable service when they need it most. Just make sure pricing remains transparent to retain customer trust.

Marketing Strategies (local SEO, influencer tie-ups, referral programs)

Targeted marketing can significantly grow your user base. Focus on local SEO to appear in top search results when people look for taxis nearby. Collaborate with local influencers to build trust and visibility on social platforms. Referral programs are also powerful, offering discounts or free rides for bringing in new users encourages word-of-mouth growth at a low cost.

Partnerships (hotels, airports, events)

Partnering with hotels, airports, and large event organizers gives your taxi service premium visibility and a steady stream of high-value customers. These locations often have frequent travelers who prefer trusted, convenient ride options. You can offer special rates or direct booking options to secure these partnerships and outpace competitors.

Customer Retention Tactics

It’s more cost-effective to retain customers than to acquire new ones. Introduce loyalty programs, offer ride credits, and provide excellent customer support to keep riders coming back. Personalized communication, like push notifications about promotions or ride discounts, also strengthens brand loyalty and improves repeat usage.

Why Quickworks is Your Best Tech Partner?

Quickworks stands out as the ideal tech partner for launching your taxi booking app in Dubai and the UAE. With proven, market-ready solutions tailored specifically for the region, we understand the unique demands of this dynamic industry and help you create a taxi app.

Whether you're looking for a white-label taxi app or a fully customized platform, Quickworks offers flexibility without compromising quality. Our rapid deployment approach ensures you create a ride-sharing app in Dubai faster, giving you a competitive edge.

Plus, our 24/7 support, regular maintenance, and seamless upgrades mean your app stays efficient, secure, and up-to-date at all times. We don’t just provide technology; we power your growth.

Are you prepared to ride into the mobility of the future? Develop a taxi booking app in collaboration with Quickworks to advance your business's success.