Dubai: From lost glasses, wallets and shopping bags to diamonds worth Dh1 million, different items have been returned to customers by Dubai’s taxi drivers.
So, whether you forgot your phone, laptop or keys in a Dubai taxi recently, you have a “99.9 per cent” chance of getting the forgotten item back, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
All you have to do is call the RTA call centre - 800 9090 or file a report on RTA’s ‘S’hail’ app and you will be notified once the item is located.
How to report lost items in a Dubai taxi
You have two options to file a lost item report:
• Through the S’hail app
• By calling the RTA call center at 800 9090
If you call the RTA call center, first request to file a lost item report. Depending on the type of lost item, you will be informed whether to file the report through the S’hail app or the call center. Regardless of the option, the call center agent will guide you through the steps.
Things to remember when filing a lost item report
When filling the report, try to remember the following details:
• The time of your trip
• Route details details (pickup and drop off location)
• The taxi’s roof colour
• The plate number
If you booked a RTA taxi through the ‘Careem’ app, select the ‘Hala Taxi’ option on the homepage. Then go to the menu section and then select ‘Activities’ and tap on the ride in which the item was lost and all the details will be displayed.
How to file a lost item report online
The ‘S’hail’ app is an all-in-one navigation app that allows you to plan your public transport trip in Dubai using the Metro, Tram, taxis, buses or marine transport. You can also report lost items on the app by following these steps:
• Download the ‘S’hail’ app, which is available for Apple, Android and Huawei devices.
• Next, open the app, and tap on the 'more' icon on the bottom left corner of your mobile screen.
• Scroll down until you see the ‘feedback’ category.
• Then, enter your mobile number and email address.
• Next, select the ‘Taxi Lost and Found’ option from the drop-down menu in the feedback category.
• Describe the lost item, and provide any details regarding your taxi trip, like the route, date and time. You can also provide a journey receipt. Then, tap ‘Send Feedback’.
• Once you have completed filling out the lost and found report, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number, which will allow you to track the status of the report.
You will receive an SMS once the item is located and the taxi driver’s mobile number. The driver will then return the item to you at your current location or a meeting point. For the delivery of the lost item, the taxi driver needs to start the metre to your location. You will have to pay as per the metre.
When will I receive the lost item?
According to the S’hail app, it will take three to 10 days to follow up on the report. However, many Dubai taxi customers have shared experiences where their items were returned within a few hours or days.
