If you use a wheelchair, travel with an elderly parent, or are visiting the UAE with a disability, learning How to Book an Accessible Taxi before you need one takes the stress out of the whole trip. In the UAE, persons with disabilities are officially called “People of Determination,” and every emirate runs taxi services built around their needs — from wheelchair-lift vans in Dubai to dedicated fleets in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
This guide explains what an accessible taxi actually looks like, the booking channels that work in each emirate, the Sanad card discount that halves taxi fares in Dubai, and what to do when dedicated vehicles are in short supply.
Quick Answer
In Dubai, book a wheelchair-accessible taxi through the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) app, the dispatch centre, or the Bolt app — register your Sanad card in the Bolt app first and you can choose “POD Taxi” or “POD Taxi VAN” with a 50% fare discount applied automatically. The vans run 24/7 and are also stationed at Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3. In other emirates, use the official taxi booking numbers: Abu Dhabi Mobility on 600535353 (or the Abu Dhabi Taxi app), Sharjah on 600525252, Ajman on 80070 (or the Route app), and Careem in Ras Al Khaimah. Book ahead whenever you can, because accessible vehicles are fewer than regular taxis.
What Is an Accessible Taxi in the UAE?
An accessible taxi is a purpose-adapted vehicle designed so a wheelchair user can board, travel and leave the vehicle safely and comfortably. In the UAE these vehicles are easy to recognise: they are larger than standard sedans, carry the universal blue wheelchair symbol on the back window and passenger doors, and — in Dubai — wear the familiar red taxi roof.
Typical features include:
- A hydraulic lift or ramp for boarding with a wheelchair
- Secure wheelchair restraints so the chair stays firmly in place during the ride
- Extra cabin space and grab handles for easier transfers
- Seats for companions or family members travelling with you
- Drivers with specialised training in assisting People of Determination
Because the vehicles are adapted rather than simply “large cars,” you cannot reliably substitute a regular taxi — a standard sedan boot rarely fits a powered wheelchair, and not every driver is trained to help with boarding. If accessibility is the point of the trip, request the dedicated vehicle.
How to Book an Accessible Taxi in Dubai
Dubai has the largest and most developed accessible-taxi network in the country, run by the Dubai Taxi Corporation under the RTA. You have several booking routes:
1. The DTC app
The Dubai Taxi Corporation’s app lets you book a People of Determination vehicle directly — choose the accessible option rather than a standard car when you set your ride. If you hold a Sanad card, the app applies the 50% fare discount automatically. You can find the booking channels and service details on Dubai Taxi Corporation’s official website.
2. The Bolt app (POD Taxi)
In mid-2026 the RTA enabled People of Determination taxi booking through the Bolt app. Register your Sanad card in the app’s profile section first (Account → Profile → Sanad ID), and once it is saved, a 50% concession activates automatically. When booking, select the Taxi category and then choose “POD Taxi” or “POD Taxi VAN” before confirming. The discount is applied at the end of the trip and shows on the meter and your final receipt — no manual adjustment needed.
3. Phone booking and dispatch
You can book through the taxi dispatch centre in advance, which is the most reliable option if you want to reserve a vehicle for a specific time — for example, a hospital appointment or an early flight. Advance booking is strongly recommended during peak hours, weekends and public holidays, when accessible vehicles are most in demand. Our guide to booking a taxi explains how the standard channels work if you have never used them before.
4. At Dubai International Airport
Accessible taxis are stationed at Dubai International’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3, so arriving passengers can find one at the taxi rank without a prior booking. During busy arrival periods you may still wait longer than standard-taxi passengers, so a pre-booked pickup is worth considering if your schedule is tight.
The Sanad Card: 50% Off Taxi Fares
The Sanad card is a smart card issued by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai for People of Determination — both residents and, importantly, tourists. Cardholders get a 50% discount on taxi fares. Originally the discount applied only to the dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but it has since been extended: People of Determination with non-motor disabilities can now book regular taxis through the DTC app and still receive the reduced fare.
To get a Sanad card you apply through the Community Development Authority, and the application is tied to your identity documents — so make sure you keep your Emirates ID valid if you are a resident. Tourists with special needs can also apply for the card (with a time-limited validity) and use it for discounted taxi fares and free public parking during their stay.
The practical point: if you live in Dubai and qualify, applying for the Sanad card is the single highest-value step you can take for cheaper accessible transport. The 50% discount compounds on every trip, and once the card is registered in the Bolt or DTC app, claiming it is automatic.
How to Book an Accessible Taxi in Other Emirates
Outside Dubai, accessible taxi provision is thinner but growing. The UAE government portal confirms that special taxis for People of Determination exist across the emirates and lists the official taxi booking numbers for each emirate:
- Abu Dhabi: call Abu Dhabi Mobility on 600535353 or book through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.
- Sharjah: call 600525252 or book online.
- Ajman: call 80070 or book through the Route app. Ajman also launched a dedicated sensory taxi service for passengers with autism spectrum disorder, developed with the Emirates Autism Society.
- Ras Al Khaimah: book through the Careem app. RAKTA expanded its dedicated People of Determination and senior-citizen taxi fleet in 2026; vehicles have wheelchair lifts, secure restraints and cameras, and can be requested through RAKTA’s contact centre.
The pattern is consistent: the official emirate-level booking line or app is the way to request an accessible vehicle. Because fleets are small — Ras Al Khaimah’s dedicated fleet numbers in single digits — advance booking matters far more outside Dubai than inside it.
What Does an Accessible Taxi Cost?
In Dubai the accessible taxi uses the same metered fare system as regular taxis, so the ride itself costs what any taxi would cost for the same distance — before the Sanad discount. That means the same variables apply: a flagfall when the meter starts, a per-kilometre rate, possible booking charges for app or phone reservations (these differ by emirate and time of day), and Salik tolls, which can be added to the fare when the route passes through a toll gate.
With a registered Sanad card, eligible passengers pay half the metered fare — the biggest saving available on any taxi service in the country. Exact flagfall and per-kilometre figures change over time, so check the DTC app or RTA channels for the current rates rather than relying on an old fare table. For a breakdown of how metered pricing works generally, see our guide to requesting special taxi services.
Tips for a Smooth Accessible Taxi Trip
- Book ahead, especially for important trips. Hospital visits, airport transfers and Friday-evening outings compete for a limited fleet — reserve early.
- State your exact needs when booking. Mention the wheelchair type and size, whether you need the lift or can transfer to a seat, and how many companions are travelling. Dispatchers match you to the right vehicle only if they know the details.
- Confirm the vehicle category at booking. A “large taxi” and a “POD Taxi” are different things. If you need the lift, say so explicitly rather than assuming a van will do.
- Allow extra time for boarding. The lift, restraints and safety checks add a few minutes — build that into your schedule.
- Keep your Sanad card accessible. Even though app-registered discounts apply automatically, having the card on hand helps if anything needs verifying at the end of the trip.
- Pay the way that suits you. Accessible taxis accept the same payment methods as standard taxis. Our guide to paying a taxi fare covers cash, cards and app payments.
- Put safety first. Our taxi safety tips for passengers apply equally here — check the vehicle matches your booking and share your trip details with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a Sanad card to book an accessible taxi?
No. Anyone who needs a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can book one. The Sanad card is only required for the 50% fare discount — the ride itself is available without it.
Can tourists book accessible taxis in the UAE?
Yes. Tourists can book accessible taxis through the same channels as residents, and accessible vehicles are stationed at Dubai International Airport. People of Determination visiting Dubai can also apply for a Sanad card to get the 50% taxi discount during their stay.
What is the difference between POD Taxi and POD Taxi VAN?
Both are wheelchair-accessible, but the van is a larger vehicle with more cabin space — better for powered wheelchairs, larger chairs, or when several companions are travelling. If in doubt, choose the van.
Can I hail an accessible taxi from the street?
Not reliably. Dedicated accessible vehicles are relatively few, and most are assigned through app or phone bookings. You might spot one at an airport rank or a major hotel, but advance booking is the only dependable route.
Are accessible taxi drivers trained?
Yes — drivers assigned to dedicated accessible vehicles receive specialised training on assisting People of Determination, operating the lift and restraints, and communicating with passengers who have different needs.
What should I do if no accessible taxi is available?
First, try booking further ahead or at a less busy time, and ask the dispatch centre directly — they can see the full fleet. As a fallback for foldable manual wheelchairs, a regular large taxi or van booked through the app may work; mention the wheelchair when booking so the driver arrives prepared.
The Bottom Line
Booking an accessible taxi in the UAE comes down to two habits: use the official channel (DTC or Bolt app in Dubai, the emirate booking line elsewhere), and say exactly what you need when you book. In Dubai, pairing a Sanad card with the Bolt or DTC app gets you a wheelchair-lift vehicle with half-price fares, automatically. Outside Dubai, fleets are smaller, so booking ahead is essential. The services exist, the vehicles are on the road around the clock, and a few minutes of planning turns an uncertain trip into a routine one.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.