The head of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the move on Tuesday, as it penned the same deal with Careem. 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 .
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 .