Lots of people land in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and quickly realise how expensive regular taxis or even Uber and Careem rides add up, especially when travelling with family or moving between emirates. Suddenly the idea hits – why not use your car as a taxi in UAE and either earn some side cash or at least have someone else drive while you relax in your own vehicle. The search term “use your car as taxi UAE” blows up for a reason. Everyone from new expats to tourists to locals with a spare luxury car thinks about it.
But reality hits hard once you dig into the rules. The UAE has some of the strictest transport laws in the world because safety and quality matter here. What works in other countries does not work here. Good news though, there are fully legal ways to use your car as taxi UAE style and even smarter alternatives that save money, time and stress. This is why, SafeDriveU has provided this essential guide on how to do it so that you remain stress-free.
Legal Requirements of Putting Up Your Car as a Taxi in the UAE
Trying to use your car as a taxi UAE without proper paperwork is the fastest way to lose your vehicle and pay massive fines. The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi control everything that carries passengers for money. Here’s exactly what you need to know in 2025:
What the Federal Law States
- Private vehicles cannot be used to carry passengers. So you can’t just sign-up your car into Careem or Uber and expect to earn big bucks.
- Only vehicles that are registered for commercial transport are eligible to be used to taxi or other car with driver services.
- Even if you use terms like ‘friendly cash lift’ to override the legal system you are still prone to get a fine or legal consequences.
- Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 is clear in applying these laws in all cities across the UAE so be careful.
Legal Pathways to Use your Car as Taxi in UAE
| Path | Who It’s For | Main Requirements | Typical Cost & Time Involved |
| Join an Existing Franchise (Uber, Careem, Hala, DTC) | Individuals who want to drive part-time or full-time |
|
2–4 weeks setup, franchise takes 20–30% commission |
| Start/Register a Limousine Company | People with luxury cars who want premium clients |
|
2–6 months, AED 20,000–100,000+ startup cost |
Mandatory Documents Required
- Valid Emirates ID and residency visa
- No-objection certificate from sponsor (if required)
- Clean traffic record (no major violations)
- Vehicle must pass yearly RTA/ITC inspection
- Commercial third-party or comprehensive insurance (personal insurance = instant rejection)
- Smart salik tag registered under commercial account
- Driver must hold a vocational licence (not regular private licence)
Penalties for Illegal Proceedings
- Dubai: Minimum AED 5,000 fine + 24 black points + possible 30–60 day vehicle impoundment
- Abu Dhabi: AED 3,000 fine + 24 black points + 30-day impoundment.
- Repeat offence: Court case, licence suspension, or permanent vehicle confiscation
The bottom line stays the same: unless you’re ready to invest serious time and money into full commercial registration, trying to use your car as a taxi in the UAE informally is simply not worth the risk in 2025. Most people who originally searched for ways to earn extra cash end up choosing the much simpler route of hiring a professional safe driver instead.
7 Top Luxury Cars Used as Taxis in Dubai
Dubai remains the only city where you can genuinely hail a Tesla, Rolls-Royce or Bentley as a taxi if you book through proper limousine channels. These models dominate the VIP and airport transfer scene because clients demand comfort and status. Even influencers demand a private driver to make an impression.
Here are the seven vehicles you will actually see working as luxury taxis or limousines in Dubai right now:
1. BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series stays the workhorse of corporate transfers. The 750Li model appears on almost every approved list and offers rear-seat space that rivals some SUVs. Most companies choose it because maintenance stays reasonable while passengers feel the luxury.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Still the king. The S500 or S580 models dominate Ameera Limousine and black-plate services. Quiet cabin, magic body control suspension and those huge rear screens make even Sheikh Zayed Road traffic feel pleasant.
3. Tesla Model S / Model X
Dubai Taxi Company rolled out hundreds of Teslas in 2024-2025 and private limo firms followed. Zero fuel costs for the operator, silent ride and instant torque make it perfect for clients who want eco-friendly luxury. The Model X with falcon doors turns heads at every hotel entrance. A Tesla with a personal driver in Dubai can make your daily commutes easier to handle.
4. Ferrari (usually Roma or Portofino)
Yes, a few licensed companies offer Ferrari limousine experience, mostly for special events or influencer shoots. Not for daily airport runs but completely legal when booked through RTA-approved operators. The thrill beats any standard taxi.
5. Rolls-Royce Phantom or Cullinan
The ultimate flex. Several VIP companies keep 3–4 Phantoms and Cullinans on their fleet. RTA approves them for limousine plates and hotels book them non-stop for high-net-worth guests. Rear seats feel like a private jet and a trustworthy driver from SafeDriveU will offer even more perks.
6. Audi A8 L
Slightly more understated than the S-Class but hugely popular with German-car fans. The 60 TFSI e-hybrid version helps companies reduce fuel costs while keeping the premium feel. If you hire a professional safe driver with an Audi, your travel will become even more luxurious.
7. Bentley Bentayga or Flying Spur
Bentayga wins for families or groups that need SUV space with insane luxury. Flying Spur takes the sedan crown when clients want British craftsmanship. Both appear regularly on airport meet-and-greet services.
All these cars offer premium luxury that is not present anywhere in the world. You can now access this luxury with SafeDriver so book now!
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Driver in Dubai
Imagine finishing a late dinner at Burj Al Arab or a long meeting in Dubai Marina and having a professional driver waiting with your own car. No waiting for a taxi, no explaining directions, no worrying about parking or drinking rules. That is daily reality for thousands who choose safe driver services.
- Zero stress on the road – Dubai traffic stays brutal, let someone who knows every shortcut drive.
- Huge cost savings – on long trips or full-day bookings compared to multiple Uber Black rides.
- Your car stays with you – perfect for families with car seats or people with lots of luggage.
- Safety first – all good companies run background checks, drug tests and regular training.
- Flexible hours – need a driver at 3 am after a night out? No problem.
- Inter-emirate travel becomes easy – Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK trips without changing cars.
- Corporate accounts – love the fixed rates and monthly invoicing.
For a complete comparison of a personal safe driver or taxi you can check out SafeDriveU’s guide on how to pick the most profitable option. For daily commutes we suggest hiring a personal driver because it is comfortable and affordable.
Hire SafeDriveU for Ultimate Ride Experience in the UAE
When people finally decide to stop fighting traffic themselves they usually choose SafeDriveU. The platform makes booking stupidly simple and drivers show up on time, in uniform and ready to drive any car perfectly.
Here what sets us apart:
- Instant booking via app or WhatsApp
- Fully vetted, English-speaking professional drivers
- Transparent affordable pricing – no surge nonsense
- 24/7 service, 365 days
- Special packages for events, weddings, inter-city trips
So what are you waiting for? Hire a driver in Dubai now through SafeDriveU to get the most premium services with professional drivers.
Conclusion
Trying to use your car as a taxi in the UAE the commercial way brings more headaches than money for most people. The rules, costs and risks rarely make sense. Instead, thousands of smart residents, tourists and companies now hire professional safe drivers and enjoy all the benefits without any of the hassle. SafeDriveU stays the easiest and most reliable way to travel across Dubai and the UAE. If you’re confused about how to hire then follow this guide to make things simple.
