Advancing Taxi and Shared Mobility in the MENA Region
UITP MENA brought together regional members and stakeholders for a dedicated Taxi and Shared Mobility Workshop exploring the evolving landscape of the sector. The discussions focused on progress, future opportunities, and the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure more connected, efficient, and people-centered mobility systems.
Despite advancements, the first and last mile challenge remains significant for the MENA region. Taxi and shared mobility sectors remain a cornerstone of urban mobility—playing a vital role in bridging the gap between major transport modes and passengers’ final destinations.
As countries in the region expand tourism, host global mega-events, and attract international investment, the role of the taxi sector takes on even greater importance. Taxi drivers often serve as the first point of contact for visitors, shaping their initial impressions and contributing directly to a city’s image, hospitality, and overall mobility experience.
Diversity and the Challenge of Standardisation
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to over 200 nationalities, the taxi workforce includes drivers from more than 35 countries. While this diversity brings richness to the sector, it also presents challenges in establishing standardised benchmarks for customer service, behavioural expectations, and satisfaction metrics.
To address these complexities, the first panel discussion at the workshop included key leaders and pioneers from the UAE’s taxi and mobility sector to discuss:
- Driver training initiatives
- Incentive programs
- Wellbeing-focused policies
The emphasis was clear: A supported and motivated driver is key to delivering high-quality, consistent service to residents and visitors alike.
Technology, Safety, and AI Integration
Discussions also focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving passenger safety. Notable application is fatigue monitoring, which uses AI to assess driver alertness in real time—enhancing both driver and passenger wellbeing. AI being leveraged for efficiency in time of arrival, and the estimated duration of a ride, was also experts highlighted; an integral part of customer satisfaction.
In Dubai, taxis account for approximately 26% of all public transportation trips, second only to the metro. The UAE is currently running pilot projects involving both autonomous vehicles and air taxis, with a national goal that by 2030, 25% of all transportation trips will be smart and driverless.
Global Insights on Autonomous Driving
MENA region is also moving towards autonomous mobility we also invited Augustin Friedel, Associated Partner at MHP – A Porsche Company, for a presentation titled:
“Hype or Reality: The Market Dynamics of Autonomous Driving Around the World”
Friedel outlined the key pillars of a successful autonomous driving ecosystem:
- A holistic user experience
- Efficient fleet operations
- Responsive customer demand management
- Strong vehicle and infrastructure integration
He emphasised that partnerships across public and private sectors are essential for scaling and sustaining autonomous mobility solutions.
Shared Mobility: Affordable, Smart, and Sustainable
The rise of on-demand shared mobility services has given commuters in major MENA cities a safe, convenient, and affordable alternative—filling the gap between congested buses and taxis as an affordable and convenient option. These solutions resonate especially with the region’s high percentage of youth population, and align with growing climate-conscious values.
Panelists from authorities and operators across the region highlighted that shared mobility is closely tied to the “people-first mobility” philosophy, with its focus on:
- Affordability
- Accessibility
- Inclusion
However, for shared mobility to reach its full potential, there is a need to:
- Strengthen public-private partnerships
- Incentivise services in underserved and low-density areas
- Embrace open innovation and data-sharing frameworks
- Leverage digitalization to become more customer-centric
Shared mobility has played a vital role in the success of the Riyadh Metro, offering critical integration and connectivity for first and last-mile travel. It stands as a strong example of how strong leadership support and flexible, tech-enabled transport services can complement large-scale infrastructure and enhance overall system efficiency and user experience.
Urban Mobility: Inclusive, Smart, and Sustainable
As AI and automation reshape the sector, customer expectations and regulatory frameworks are also evolving. Policymakers are being called to design systems that support equity, accessibility, and climate goals—while still allowing room for innovation and market growth.
Taxis and Shared mobility should be viewed not just as transport services, but as strategic tools in building inclusive, sustainable, and technology-integrated urban mobility systems.
To learn more and engage in deeper discussions about the urban mobility landscape in the MENA region, please contact our regional office.
To learn more from the workshop, find the presentations on UITP library.
You can also be part of the global dialogue by joining us at the inaugural Shared Mobility Division Meeting, taking place in Istanbul from 1–3 November.
Join us in actively shaping the future of shared and sustainable mobility— together.