UAE | Traffic and Transport

Dubai taxis to go green

A ground-breaking decision to introduce hybrid vehicles into Dubai's taxi fleet was announced. The government said the move, to affect the 6,000-strong fleet of taxis, would be a gradual one.

  • By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 May 26, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Reuters
  • Environmentalists have welcomed the Government of Dubai's decision to introduce fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles into Dubai's taxi fleet. Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Dubai: A ground-breaking decision to introduce hybrid vehicles into Dubai's taxi fleet was announced yesterday.

The Dubai Government said the move to hybrid technology in the 6,000-strong fleet of taxis would be a gradual one.

It will cut both carbon dioxide emissions and pollution.

The decision follows the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that environmental issues should be given priority, as highlighted in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

Other major cities which have already introduced hybrid taxis include London, Chicago and New York.

Eco-friendly decision hailed

Environmentalists have welcomed the Government of Dubai's decision to introduce fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles into Dubai's taxi fleet.

Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, hailed the move as "a very positive step".

"As environmentalists we are very heartened by this. Hybrid vehicles definitely are an alternative resource with cleaner technology," she said.

"What is important is that this initiative comes from the government. We look forward to more pushing towards renewable energy and renewable resources."

Hybrid vehicles have an internal combustion engine along with an electric motor, and have far lower fuel consumption than conventional vehicles.

Regenerative braking

Many rely on regenerative braking, which allows the vehicle to capture energy when it is travelling down a slope or the driver is braking, and store it for use later.

John Coequyt, an energy policy specialist for Greenpeace, said government rulings were "a very good way" of speeding up the move to hybrid technology.

"It's absolutely a step forward. It's very impressive that Dubai is ahead of most US cities and a lot of the rest of the world in making the switch to these more fuel efficient cars," he said by telephone from Washington DC.

"Not only are hybrids more fuel efficient [cutting greenhouse gas emissions], but they have a lot of additional benefits for urban areas in that they tend to be very clean and very quiet."

More than 75 per cent of the air pollution in Dubai is thought to be caused by vehicle emissions.

Plus factors

  • Hybrid cars run on two motors-an electric motor and petrol powered motor.
  • It has a special system to capture braking energy to store in batteries.
  • On highways the petrol motor kicks in and can go over 64kmph.
  • Electric motors work great in city rush-hour stop and go driving.
  • They do not produce any exhaust.
  • Hybrids are claimed to be most petrol efficient of all cars (77km/gallon UK to 95.5km/gallon).

Have your say
Would you ride a hybrid taxi? Do you think hybrid taxis will help reduce air pollution in Dubai?

Your comments


It is definitely the most optimal choice from an environmental perspective. Dubai is one of the most famous cities in the world and it would be a shame if it became polluted heavily. It is nice to see that the government is taking the initiative. After all, if we do not take care of our environment, who will?
Dania
Kuwait City,Kuwait

Green is the color of kindness! Green is the way to GO!
Ahmed
Dubai,Pakistan

While this seems to be a good idea to lessen the pollution, one big question is... fare! Will this move add pain to the burgeoning fare of Dubai taxis?
Joseph
Dubai,UAE

I am VERY happy to learn that the taxis are going green in Dubai. Hopefully the other emirates will follow.
Maryam
Sharjah,UAE

What about in Abu Dhabi?
Rao
Abudhabi,UAE

I think it is a great decision and a significant first step towards a more energy conscious Dubai, a place where so much could be done in terms of "green" energy, because of the "free" energy of the sun which is present almost all year round.
Joachim
Paris,France

Good to see Dubai has the vision and ability to focus on the latest technologies.
Shameem
Bahrain City,Bahrain

Cleaner and quieter technology is very good for cities. I would drive one if I could get it.
Muhammad
Baku,Azerbaijan

Certainly, hybrid taxis will help reduce air pollution in Dubai.
Ikram
Hyderabad,India

I would if it will really helps in reducing the air pollution since it is one of the main problems in Dubai. I would gladly support hybrid taxis and commend the authorities for a job well done if it is implemented!
Almira
Dubai,UAE

It's a great idea to start a hybrid taxi service. Even if it helps the environment by reducing a very small percentage of pollution, at least it's a start. Congratulations.
Sumayya
Dubai,UAE

I bought my Toyota Prius in 2004 and it has been running smoothly without spoiling the environment. The emissions are so low and petrol use is very economical. I am glad I am contributing to keeping the planet green. I, however, think that governments should give tax and subsidies to hybrid buyers to encourage more use of them.
M. Sivaswamy
Auckland,New Zealand

Wow! Hybrid taxis in Dubai! I would love to ride in them... the cars for sure will be environment friendly... But what about the drivers in them? Same rude attitude, or something new to offer?
S. Kenth
Dubai,UAE

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