Dubai’s public transport noticed changes in the higher minimum Nol card top-up at Metro stations and other public parking services. One of the companies in Dubai announced the changes in payment and Dubai Mall parking will soon charge payment which adopts a barrier-free system managed by vSalik, the toll gate operator. These new updates and changes from Dubai aim to improve and manage the public transportation and parking facilities across the city.  

The resident Erica witnessed a higher taxi fare from Global Village to Al Barsha when compared to her home to a family destination. This fare increase happened due to an innovative ‘dynamic fare’ applied to both traditional metered and ride-hailing taxi services in Dubai which is leading to different prices based on some factors like demand and distance. 

The new flag-down rate for Taxis in Dubai 

In Dubai, the flag-down rate for taxis affects the starting cost of taxi journeys in specific areas during some major events or festivals resulting in increased fares from Dh12 to Dh20. This increase in taxi fare is applicable at certain times. 

The RTA announced that this increased taxi fare isn’t city-wide and the new flag-down rates are only for the regular-metered taxis Hala Taxi apply solely during some important events, exhibitions, and international conventions at important places like the World Trade Centre, Expo City, and Global Village.  

These fare changes started last New Year’s Eve and were implemented in important locations with fireworks like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Al Seef, Global Village, Hatta, Bluewaters, and The Beach. 

How does it work?

The fare changes according to the major events, when major events occur at the World Trade Centre or Expo City, the taxi fare from these areas is Dh20 and for regular days without any events in these places, the taxi fare is Dh12. These changes in the fare aim to accommodate varying demands during some special events and maintain a standard fare during normal days.

The same fare for the taxi applies to Global Village when you book a taxi. During the open season, the flag-down rate is Dh20. Then it changes to Dh12 during the summer months. 

Importantly, the fare rate remains unchanged when booking a taxi outside the mentioned areas. In other places like the Mall of the Emirates, Times Square, Deira City Centre, or from home or workplaces, the starting fare remains the same at Dh12. This marks a standard fare for the taxi to every passenger in locations beyond those subjected to the revised rates.

Dynamic Pricing 

It is also called ‘dynamic pricing’, in which the taxi fares vary with demand. It typically increases while the roads are rush and busier, higher demand for rides prompts fare increases. These kinds of adjustments help to compensate for the time and fuel or electricity for the electricity vehicle needed for transportation. The important thing here is, that this fare increases only when the demand peaks and it is a temporary change. Conversely, daytime, with lower demand, sees more affordable fares. 

As per the information announced by the RTA, the change in fare for regular-metered taxis and Hala Taxi service applies specifically during some special events like exhibitions, and international conventions at important locations like Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Expo City, and Global Village. 

Is Dynamic Pricing New?

Dynamic Pricing is one of the longstanding practices in Dubai’s taxis, factors in various elements. The normal fare for online booking is Dh12, with an added amount of Dh1.97 per kilometre. Mainly for Dubai airport taxis, the fare starts from Dh25. On the streets, fares vary, ranging from Dh5 in non-peak hours to Dh9 during peak times. These fares are based on taxi type, pick-up time, location, trip duration, and distance covered. This could include the fares aligning with demand and conditions, and providing passengers with transparent pricing that adapts to the dynamics of the city’s transportation needs. 

How can commuters save money?

During events at DWTC or Expo City, opting for the Dubai Metro is advisable, offering cost savings and avoiding traffic congestion. The metro connects with buses, taxis, and private vehicles. The commuters can also bring their foldable bikes and e-scooters onboard. For the visitors to Global Village during the 2023-2024 season, to this place, there are four dedicated bus routes available, offering a convenient and economical single-trip fare of Dh10. These transportation options provide so many facilities and convenient rides for those attending events or exploring attractions like Global Village in Dubai. 

Topping up Nol Cards

From January 15, the minimum Nol card top-up at Metro station ticket increases the fare to Dh20, up from the current Dh5. Most importantly, this change in the fare doesn’t affect online top-ups, ticket vending machines, app transactions, or kiosk top-ups outside Metro stations. The commuters can also use the alternative methods based on their convenience to top-up their Nol cards without being subject to the revised minimum amount at Metro station ticket offices. 

The fares on the Metro remain unchanged. To complete a round trip on the Metro transit network, commuters should ensure a minimum Nol card balance of Dh15, maintaining convenience and affordable charges for their journeys.  

What is the rationale behind this? 

By requiring a minimal amount of Nol card top-up of Dh20 plans to improve navigation efficiency and reduce wait times at Metro station ticket offices that ensures a smoother experience for commuters, as per RTA. 

Where can we use Nol Cards?

The nol card, a prepaid smart card, serves as a versatile payment method for Dubai’s public transport, including Metro, buses, trams, and waterbuses. The use of the cards extends the service to cover taxi fares, parking, entry to public parks, Etihad Museum, and transactions at over 2,000 city establishments. Additionally, they introduced a loyalty program, Nol Card Plus, for cardholders. This provides benefits for people in Dubai by engaging in Dubai Metro, taxi rides, public buses, or parking payments with the Nol card that occurs.

New Parking Company in Dubai 

A new company ‘Parkin’, in Dubai is to manage all the public and private parking spaces in the city. It operates as a public joint stock company (PJSC), and the new parking company, Parkin gains financial, administrative, and legal autonomy for its duties. It extends its services to issue permits, including special ones for individuals with determination. Further, the Parkin company extends to establish, design, and oversee the private parking areas, with extra ventures into related business activities. This strategy started by the new parking company aims to streamline parking management and also cater to the needs of diverse individuals in Dubai. 

Dubai Mall will introduce paid parking by the third quarter of this year, adopting a barrier-free system overseen by toll gate operator Salik. With over 13,000 parking spaces, Salik takes charge of designing, financing, developing, installing, and managing the parking system. Dubai Mall contributes to local infrastructure, office space, and car park maintenance. This marks Salik’s first venture beyond toll gates, showcasing a strategic diversification of revenue streams while enhancing parking services at one of Dubai’s iconic destinations. The collaboration aims to optimise efficiency and convenience for visitors at Dubai Mall.

All about the charges 

Emaar Malls has yet to specify charges, but fees for barrier-free parking at Dubai Mall will be deducted from the Salik user’s account. The system employs automatic number plate recognition and RFID technology, mirroring Salik tag tracking. Upon entry, a camera captures the plate number, logging the entry time. Exiting, the camera scans the plate again, enabling the system to calculate the parking duration. This streamlined approach integrates Salik’s technology for seamless and efficient parking payment processes at Dubai Mall.

Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik Company PJSC, reveals plans for Salik’s expansion into Dubai’s private parking market, with over 50,000 parking spaces as potential targets. Unlike other malls and hypermarkets using barrier systems, Dubai Mall’s upcoming paid parking will follow a barrier-free approach. Mall of the Emirates already imposes parking charges after the initial free four hours on weekdays, ranging from Dh20 for five to six hours up to Dh350 overnight. Weekends and public holidays, however, retain free parking. Salik’s strategic move aligns with the evolving dynamics of parking services in Dubai, enhancing options for both operators and users.