How to Become a Taxi Driver in Dubai: Requirements, Steps & Pay
To become a taxi driver in Dubai you need a UAE driving license, an RTA taxi driver permit, and a job with a licensed taxi company. The minimum age is 21, and fleet companies such as Dubai Taxi often hire expats on a home-country license and sponsor the UAE license for you. Most drivers earn AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 a month on a base salary plus commission.
Driving a private car for hire is illegal in Dubai and brings heavy fines, so you must work through a licensed company. There are two routes: join a taxi fleet, which sponsors and trains you, or drive for an app such as Careem or Uber if you already hold a UAE license.
What are the requirements to become a taxi driver in Dubai?
To work as a taxi driver in Dubai, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old; fleet companies usually hire up to around 60.
- Hold a valid driving license. App captains need a UAE license, while fleets often hire on a home-country license and arrange the UAE one.
- Speak basic English to deal with passengers.
- Have at least a 10th-grade school certificate.
- Pass a medical fitness test and a criminal background check.
- Complete the RTA foundation training course and its test.
Do you need a UAE driving license?
Yes, you need a UAE driving license to drive a taxi. If you only hold a home-country license, fleet companies such as Dubai Taxi often hire you, sponsor your visa, and pay for your UAE driving classes, then deduct the cost from your salary over the first year. See our guide on how to get a UAE driving license. Captains for Careem and Uber must already hold a UAE license.
How to apply, step by step
- Decide your route: a taxi fleet company, or an app such as Careem or Uber.
- Apply on the Dubai Taxi or RTA careers portal, or attend a walk-in interview.
- Bring your passport copy, visa copy, home-country license, CV, and passport photos with a white background.
- Pass the English or psychometric test, the medical fitness test, and the criminal background check.
- Complete the RTA foundation training course and test, and get your UAE license if the fleet is arranging it.
- Receive your RTA taxi driver permit and start driving.
Which companies hire taxi drivers in Dubai?
Licensed fleet companies include Dubai Taxi Company, Cars Taxi, National Taxi, and Arabia Taxi. They sponsor your work visa and Emirates ID, provide a uniform and shared accommodation, and arrange your training. You can also drive for the apps Careem and Uber once you hold a UAE license and pass their onboarding.
What is the RTA taxi driver permit?
The permit lets you work for a licensed taxi company and is valid for one year. You apply through the RTA, usually in the Dubai Drive app, after you pass the foundation training and test, the medical fitness test, and the criminal investigation check, with your residence under your sponsor. The fee is about AED 200 plus a small knowledge and innovation charge.
How much do taxi drivers earn in Dubai?
Most taxi drivers earn about AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 a month on a base salary plus commission. See our full guide to Dubai taxi driver salary and commission for the breakdown. New drivers must pass the RTA theory test to get the license, so practise free with our RTA theory test mock tests first.
