Top Taxi Services in GCC (2025 Guide)
🚖The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait—are known for their fast-developing transport systems. While private cars dominate, taxi services play a crucial role in tourism, business travel, and daily commutes. New Rules for Importing Used Cars from GCC.
With digital transformation, the GCC has seen the rise of ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, alongside traditional taxi fleets. Let’s explore the top taxi options in GCC for 2025, focusing on affordability, convenience, and popularity. Tips for long term car maintenance.
🌍 Why Taxis Are Important in GCC
- Tourism growth: Visitors prefer taxis for city travel.
- Economic necessity: Not everyone owns a car.
- Convenience: 24/7 availability vs limited public transport.
- Digital integration: Apps offer cashless, safer rides.
🚖 Table: Top Taxi Operators in GCC (2025)
Country | Top Taxi Operator | Image | Avg. Fare (per km) | Unique Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAE | Careem & Uber | ![]() |
1.8 AED | Ride-hailing, food delivery, corporate rides |
Saudi Arabia | Careem, Uber & Jeeny | ![]() |
1.75 SAR | Women-friendly driver options |
Oman | Marhaba Taxi & Otaxi | ![]() |
0.35 OMR | Government regulated, app-based booking |
Qatar | Karwa Taxi | ![]() |
1.6 QAR | Widely used during FIFA 2022, eco-friendly fleet |
Bahrain | Bahrain Taxi App | ![]() |
0.5 BHD | Smart taxi app, airport integrations |
Kuwait | Q8 Taxi & Uber Kuwait | ![]() |
0.6 KWD | Reliable for airport transfers |
📊 Graph: Popularity of Taxi Apps in GCC (2025 Survey)
Most Used Taxi Apps (% Users in GCC)
Careem ██████████████ 40%
Uber ██████████ 25%
Local Apps ████████ 20%
Traditional Taxi ████ 10%
Others ██ 5%
💡 Insight: Careem dominates in the GCC with 40% user share, especially after being acquired by Uber.
🌟 Highlights of Top Taxi Services
1. UAE – Careem & Uber
- Available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah.
- Wide range: economy cars, business rides, luxury limousines.
- Careem offers super app services: ride, food, delivery.
2. Saudi Arabia – Careem, Uber & Jeeny
- Jeeny, a Saudi-born app, is gaining traction.
- Safe rides for female passengers after 2018 reforms.
- Lower fares compared to UAE.
3. Oman – Marhaba Taxi & Otaxi
- Oman’s official government-approved taxis.
- Otaxi is a rising player with an easy-to-use app.
- Standard fare ensures transparency and trust.
4. Qatar – Karwa Taxi
- Famous for FIFA World Cup 2022.
- Eco-friendly hybrid and electric taxis in fleet.
- Strong airport presence.
5. Bahrain – Bahrain Taxi App
- Seamless booking for residents and tourists.
- New digital app system replaces hailing on streets.
- Reliable for Manama city transport.
6. Kuwait – Q8 Taxi & Uber Kuwait
- Local taxis remain strong, but Uber is expanding.
- Airport transfers are most in demand.
- Simple pricing, cash + card options.
📉 Table: Fare Comparison of GCC Taxi Services
Country | Avg. Base Fare | Avg. Per Km Fare | App Booking Available | Rating (1–5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
UAE | 12 AED | 1.8 AED | ✅ | ★★★★★ |
Saudi Arabia | 10 SAR | 1.75 SAR | ✅ | ★★★★☆ |
Oman | 1 OMR | 0.35 OMR | ✅ | ★★★★ |
Qatar | 10 QAR | 1.6 QAR | ✅ | ★★★★★ |
Bahrain | 2 BHD | 0.5 BHD | ✅ | ★★★★ |
Kuwait | 2 KWD | 0.6 KWD | ✅ | ★★★★ |
✅ Conclusion
Taxis in the GCC are evolving from traditional street hails to modern app-based services.
- Careem and Uber dominate UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Oman’s Marhaba Taxi & Otaxi ensure safe regulated rides.
- Qatar’s Karwa Taxi sets a green example with EV taxis.
- Bahrain and Kuwait modernize with digital platforms.
For residents and tourists alike, the top GCC taxi services in 2025 guarantee convenience, safety, and affordability. Best Cheap Auto Parts in Oman.
Which is the most popular taxi app in GCC?
Careem is the most popular, followed by Uber.
Are taxis in Oman cheaper than UAE?
Yes, Oman taxis average 0.35 OMR per km vs. 1.8 AED in UAE.
Which GCC country has eco-friendly taxis?
Qatar’s Karwa taxis have hybrid and electric models.
Can women drive taxis in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, post-2018 reforms allow female drivers and women-friendly ride options.
Is it safe to use taxi apps in GCC?
Yes, ride-hailing apps like Careem, Uber, and Otaxi offer GPS tracking and cashless payments for safety.