Private taxi and limousine services like Uber will be made to sign a deal that will allow the public to order public RTA taxis through their apps. The head of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the move on Tuesday, as it penned the same deal with Careem. The RTA said the move will give the public more choice and allow it to control tariffs and ensure safe travelling. Careem will soon allow passengers to book one of 9,841 taxis and 4,700 limousines operated by the RTA, along with its own vehicles. Mudassir Sheikha,Founder and Managing Director of Careem, said: “The agreement would enhance Careem’s presence in the Dubai market through offering integrated transport solutions enabling clients safe and reliable mobility options.” Reuters reported that other ride-hailing apps and websites will have to sign similar deals March 2017 to continue operating in Dubai, Reuters reported. RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer told Reuters: “Any e-hailing service that wants to continue working in Dubai must sign an agreement with us. Why? To have control of tariff and to have control of safety.” news@7days.ae
Ride - hailing firms such as those that operate in the UAE will be required to sign a deal that will allow passengers to order public taxis through their apps . The UAE 's Roads and Traffic Authority ( RA ) announced the move earlier this week as it signed the same deal with Dubai - based taxi company Careem . The RTA said this is intended to give the public greater choice and also to allow it to control tariffs and ensure the safety of passengers . Other ride - hailing companies will have to sign similar deals in March 2018 in order to continue operating in Dubai .