Image Credit : KT file
Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) is solidifying its dominance in the emirate’s fast-growing ride-hailing market, aiming for a 72% market share through its expanding partnership with Bolt. The move follows a strong third-quarter performance, with DTC’s net profit rising 28% year-on-year to AED 76.4 million, driven by fleet growth, rising tourism, and its successful digital integration with Bolt.
Bolt Partnership Accelerates Growth
DTC CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi said the collaboration with Bolt, launched just over a year ago, has already generated nearly four million rides and now handles more than 200,000 weekly trips.
“We see Bolt as a long-term strategic partner,” Alfalasi told Gulf News. “We’re currently capturing around 72% of the taxi-based e-hailing market and aim to reach 100% soon by onboarding additional operators through the Bolt platform.”
To support this goal, DTC recently added over 3,000 vehicles from Kabi, Dubai’s second-largest fleet operator, expanding its reach beyond its 6,215 operational taxis.
Expanding Beyond Dubai
Building on its Dubai success, DTC is preparing to launch Bolt-powered taxi and limousine services in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand to other UAE cities. “Very soon, we’re going to tap into a new city, which is Abu Dhabi,” Alfalasi confirmed.
The company began integrating its own taxis on Bolt in May, complementing third-party fleets already active on the app.
Strong Q3 Performance
During Q3 2025, DTC completed 13.1 million trips across its taxi and limousine operations—a 7% increase from last year. The rise was attributed to sustained tourism demand, an expanded fleet, and strengthened partnerships.
“These results reflect sustainable growth in the city, our expanding fleet, and the strategic alliances we’ve built with various partners,” Alfalasi said.
Growing Fleet and Sustainability Push
DTC’s total operational fleet has reached 10,500 vehicles—a 19% year-on-year jump—including 401 fully electric taxis, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
The company also plans to compete aggressively in the Roads and Transport Authority’s upcoming auction for 600 new taxi plates in early 2026.
Delivery Services on the Rise
Beyond passenger transport, DTC is scaling its e-commerce delivery division. Its delivery motorcycle fleet, currently at 2,600 bikes, is projected to hit 3,000 by year-end. The division supports platforms such as Careem, Talabat, Noon, Deliveroo, Kitopi, and Smiles.
“The e-commerce business is booming in Dubai, and we’re expanding to meet that demand,” Alfalasi said.
Tourism Surge Boosts Outlook
With Dubai’s tourism season entering its peak, DTC expects strong demand through Q4. “We benefit from visitors familiar with Bolt in other cities. They often use it as soon as they arrive in Dubai,” Alfalasi added.
The company employs about 17,000 drivers, maintaining an average of 2.5 drivers per car to ensure 24-hour operations.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Mobility
DTC continues to strengthen its footprint through exclusive transport partnerships across key destinations such as Dubai Airports, Dubai Mall, Atlantis hotels, and Coca-Cola Arena. Upcoming collaborations include Dubai’s Union train network.
Alfalasi hinted at future innovations, including subscription-based rides and shared mobility solutions, emphasizing that new ventures must deliver significant user volume to be viable.
“Very soon, you might hear some positive developments from DTC on this front,” he said.
With an average booking response time of three to four minutes and under 10 minutes at airports, DTC’s blend of technology, partnerships, and scale positions it to remain the dominant player in Dubai’s evolving mobility landscape.
