If you frequently rely on taxis in Ajman, prepare for a slight increase in fares this February. After two months of stability, taxi rates in the emirate are set to rise, reflecting the latest fuel price adjustments.
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The new fare will be Dh1.77 per kilometre, up from Dh1.74 in December and January—a marginal increase but one that could impact daily commuters over time. Ajman’s taxi fare adjustments are directly tied to monthly fuel price fluctuations, a practice aimed at keeping transportation costs aligned with the market. With fuel prices increasing for February 2025—adding around Dh6 to Dh9 to the cost of a full tank—public transport users will feel the ripple effect. But how significant is this change, and what does it mean for residents and commuters in Ajman? Let’s break it down.
Taxi Fare Comparison: Ajman vs. Other Emirates
Ajman’s taxi fares remain among the most affordable in the UAE, but with the recent increase, how do they compare to taxi fares in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi? While all emirates follow a fuel-linked pricing model, differences exist in base fares, per-kilometre rates, waiting time charges, and night tariffs.
Note: Fares are subject to change based on fuel price fluctuations and transport authority regulations.
Base Fare Variations
Ajman maintains a lower base fare (Dh3.50 - Dh4) compared to Dubai and Sharjah, making it a cheaper option for short trips.
Dubai’s base fare is the highest, starting at Dh12 for a regular taxi and even more for premium taxis.
Per-Kilometre Rate Differences
Ajman remains one of the most budget-friendly emirates with Dh1.77/km, lower than Dubai (Dh2.21/km) and Sharjah (Dh1.99/km).
Abu Dhabi's rate (Dh2.08/km) is slightly more expensive but still lower than Dubai.
Waiting Time Charges
Most emirates, including Ajman, Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, charge Dh0.50 per minute for waiting time.
Night Tariffs and Peak Hour Adjustments
In Ajman, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, night fares are slightly higher than daytime rates.
Dubai operates on dynamic pricing during peak hours, especially for ride-hailing services like Hala Taxi (Careem), leading to higher fares during demand surges.
Which Emirate Has the Most Affordable Taxis?
Ajman remains one of the cheapest options for longer trips due to its lower per-kilometre rate.
Dubai has the highest fares, but offers more taxi availability, premium vehicle options, and ride-hailing integration (Careem, Uber).
Sharjah and Abu Dhabi fall in the middle, with moderately priced taxis but higher base fares compared to Ajman.
Should Commuters Consider Other Transport Options?
With Ajman’s new fare of Dh1.77/km, it still remains more affordable than Dubai and Sharjah, making taxis a practical option for short to medium-distance trips. However, for longer commutes, residents may start considering public transport alternatives like buses, ride-sharing, or car rentals to optimize costs.
Understanding Taxi Fare Adjustments in Ajman
Ajman follows a dynamic pricing model for taxi fares, meaning that rates fluctuate based on fuel price changes. This system ensures that transportation costs remain sustainable for both passengers and taxi operators, adapting to market trends rather than imposing fixed prices.
Ajman’s taxi fares are linked to the UAE’s monthly fuel price updates, which are determined by the UAE Fuel Price Committee. Whenever fuel prices increase, taxi fares tend to rise accordingly, while stable or reduced fuel costs generally keep fares unchanged.
The adjustment mechanism works as follows:
Fuel price announcements: At the end of each month, the UAE Fuel Price Committee reveals fuel rates for the following month.
Public transport fare evaluation: The Ajman Public Transport Authority (APTA) assesses whether taxi fares need to be revised based on these fuel rates.
Implementation of new fares: If changes are necessary, the adjusted per-kilometre fare is updated, typically taking effect at the start of the new month.
The Ajman Public Transport Authority oversees all aspects of the emirate’s taxi and public transportation systems. It is responsible for:
Monitoring fuel price trends and their impact on operating costs.
Implementing fare adjustments to ensure fair pricing for both taxi drivers and passengers.
Regulating the flag-down rate, waiting time charges, and any other fare-related modifications.
Ensuring compliance with UAE transport policies to maintain service efficiency.
Ajman has seen multiple fare changes over the past year due to fluctuating fuel prices:
December 2024 - January 2025: Taxi fare held steady at Dh1.74/km as fuel prices remained stable.
November 2024: A slight decrease in fuel prices kept fares from rising.
August - October 2024: Incremental fare increases were observed due to rising fuel costs.
February 2025: The most recent increase brings the taxi fare to Dh1.77/km, in response to higher fuel prices for the month.
While these fare changes are typically minimal, they can accumulate over time for frequent commuters. Understanding how these adjustments work can help passengers plan their transportation expenses and explore alternative travel options when needed.
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Breakdown of the February 2025 Taxi Fare Hike
Ajman commuters will see a slight increase in taxi fares starting February 2025, with rates rising in response to higher fuel prices. While the adjustment is minor, it reflects a broader trend of fluctuating transportation costs in the UAE.
The fare increase of Dh0.03 per kilometre may seem small, but for daily commuters or long-distance travelers, it can add up over time. For instance, a 10-kilometre trip will now cost Dh17.70, compared to Dh17.40 in previous months.
Apart from the per-kilometre rate, Ajman taxis typically include other fare components such as:
Flag-down rate: The base fare when a ride begins.
Waiting time charges: Costs incurred when a taxi is idle in traffic or waiting for a passenger.
Night-time surcharges: Potential extra fees for late-night or early-morning rides.
Passengers should check with taxi operators or the Ajman Public Transport Authority (APTA) for exact pricing details, as these additional charges can vary.
Fuel Price Impact on Transportation Costs
The February taxi fare hike is a direct result of higher fuel prices in the UAE. As fuel is a primary operating expense for taxis, any increase leads to higher running costs, which eventually impact fares.
Higher fuel costs mean increased expenses for taxi operators, which leads to fare adjustments.
Commuters may see rising costs across transportation options, including taxis and ride-hailing services.
Bus and public transport fares may remain stable for now, as they are often subsidized, but long-term fuel hikes could lead to future changes.
More people may turn to ride-sharing or carpooling to reduce transportation expenses.
While fuel price fluctuations are common, consistent monitoring of these adjustments helps commuters plan their budgets and explore cost-effective travel alternatives in Ajman.
How the Fare Increase Affects Residents and Commuters
The rise in Ajman taxi fares, though slight, can have a notable impact on daily commuters and those who rely heavily on taxis for transportation. Whether for work, errands, or leisure, passengers will now have to budget for higher costs, especially for longer distances or frequent rides.
For those who use taxis regularly, the fare increase can add up over time:
A 10-kilometre trip will now cost Dh17.70, compared to Dh17.40 previously.
A 20-kilometre daily commute (to and from work) will now cost Dh35.40 per day, adding roughly Dh9 extra per month for a five-day workweek.
Residents who rely on taxis multiple times a day (such as parents taking children to school, delivery couriers, or service professionals) will feel the increase the most.
For tourists and occasional taxi users, the increase may be negligible, but for low-income workers and daily commuters, even a minor hike affects their monthly transportation budget.
Comparison of Taxi Fares with Public Transport Alternatives in Ajman
With taxi fares rising, commuters may start considering public transport options that offer more affordability:
Ajman’s public bus network serves key locations at a fraction of the cost, making it a practical alternative for budget-conscious commuters. However, buses may not be a viable option for those needing faster travel times or access to areas not covered by bus routes.
With the fare increase being relatively minor, reactions from residents are mixed:
Daily workers and students have expressed concerns about how small increments add up over time, impacting their monthly transportation expenses.
Frequent taxi users mention that while the increase is manageable, a consistent rise in fares could push them toward alternatives like ride-sharing or carpooling.
Tourists and occasional riders seem less affected, as Ajman’s taxi fares remain competitive compared to other emirates.
Some residents believe that better public transport connectivity could help reduce dependency on taxis and soften the impact of rising fares.
As fuel prices fluctuate and transportation costs evolve, commuters may rethink their travel habits to balance affordability and convenience in Ajman.
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FAQs
1. Why did Ajman taxi fares increase in February 2025?
Ajman’s taxi fares are adjusted based on monthly fuel price changes. Since fuel prices in the UAE increased for February 2025, the Ajman Public Transport Authority (APTA) raised the taxi fare to Dh1.77 per kilometre, up from Dh1.74 in the previous two months.
2. How much did the taxi fare increase in Ajman?
The per-kilometre fare increased by Dh0.03, from Dh1.74/km to Dh1.77/km. While this is a small increase per trip, frequent taxi users may notice higher overall transportation expenses.
3. When did the new taxi fare take effect?
The revised fare came into effect on February 1, 2025, following the UAE Fuel Price Committee’s announcement of updated fuel rates.
4. How much is a taxi per kilometre in the UAE?
Taxi fares in the UAE vary by emirate. Here’s a general comparison:
Ajman: Dh1.77/km
Dubai: Dh2.21/km
Sharjah: Dh1.99/km
Abu Dhabi: Dh2.08/km
5. How much does Ajman taxi charge per kilometre?
As of February 2025, Ajman taxis charge Dh1.77 per kilometre, following the recent fare adjustment.
6. How much is a taxi fare in Dubai?
Dubai taxis charge:
Dh12 base fare for regular taxis.
Dh2.21 per kilometre as of 2025.
Additional waiting time charge of Dh0.50 per minute.
Night fares and peak-hour pricing may apply.
7. Is Dubai taxi cheaper than Uber?
Yes, Dubai taxis are generally cheaper than Uber for standard trips. Dubai taxis have fixed per-kilometre rates, while Uber uses dynamic pricing, meaning fares can be higher during peak hours or demand surges.
8. How much does Careem charge per kilometre?
Careem's pricing depends on the type of ride:
Hala Taxi (Dubai RTA taxi via Careem): Dh2.21/km (same as regular taxis).
Careem Economy: Starts at around Dh2.38/km, with dynamic pricing.
Careem Business & Max: Higher rates based on vehicle type.
9. Which is the cheapest taxi app in Dubai?
Hala Taxi (Careem) – This is the cheapest ride-hailing option, as it uses Dubai RTA taxis with fixed rates.
S’hail – A Dubai RTA app that provides fare estimates for taxis and metro routes.
Uber and Careem Economy can sometimes be cheaper than taxis during non-peak hours, but they usually cost more due to surge pricing.
10. What is Hala Taxi in Dubai?
Hala Taxi is a Dubai RTA-operated service that allows passengers to book regular Dubai taxis via the Careem app. It offers:
Fixed taxi rates (same as RTA taxis).
No surge pricing during high demand.
Convenience of app-based booking.
11. How much is a taxi daily in Dubai?
For full-day taxi hire, Dubai taxis typically charge:
Dh500 to Dh800 per day, depending on hours and distance.
Chauffeur and limousine services are more expensive than standard taxis.
12. Is the Dubai Metro cheaper than taxis?
Yes, Dubai Metro is significantly cheaper than taxis:
Metro fares start at Dh3 and vary based on zones.
A typical metro ride costs Dh5 to Dh7, while a taxi for the same route may cost Dh25 to Dh50.
Metro is the best option for cost-effective, long-distance travel within Dubai.
13. Will taxi fares increase again in the coming months?
Taxi fares in Ajman are linked to fuel price fluctuations. If fuel prices rise again in March or later in 2025, another fare adjustment may occur. However, if fuel prices decrease, taxi fares may remain stable or even drop.
For updates, commuters can check announcements from the Ajman Public Transport Authority (APTA) or visit official UAE government channels for monthly fuel price adjustments.
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