Ras Al Khaimah has doubled its fleet of RAK accessible taxis dedicated to People of Determination and senior citizens, from two vehicles to four. The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) announced the expansion this week as part of a wider push to make getting around the emirate easier and safer for passengers with mobility needs. The upgraded vehicles come with wheelchair lifts, secure wheelchair restraints and smart cameras, and every driver assigned to the service receives specialised training. For residents and visitors who rely on step-free transport, the change adds capacity to a service booked through RAKTA’s toll-free contact centre.
What RAKTA has added to the fleet
The four taxis are adapted for passengers who use wheelchairs or need extra help getting in and out of a vehicle. Wheelchair lifts handle boarding and disembarking, while dedicated restraints hold the chair steady for the whole journey. Smart cameras fitted in each vehicle are there to improve safety and allow trips to be monitored.
Drivers are trained on how to interact with People of Determination and respond to their needs, which RAKTA treats as being as important as the vehicle hardware. Mohammed Hashem Ismail, Director of the Transport Licensing and Control Department at RAKTA, said the larger fleet would widen the dedicated service and support a safe and reliable mobility experience.
Passengers who want to use one of the dedicated taxis can request a vehicle by calling RAKTA’s contact centre on the toll-free number 8001700. With four vehicles serving the whole emirate, it makes sense to book ahead rather than expect an instant pickup.
Part of a wider accessibility push in Ras Al Khaimah
The taxi expansion sits alongside existing measures on the emirate’s public transport network. All public buses in Ras Al Khaimah are equipped to carry People of Determination, who can travel free on internal routes using the dedicated Saqr Gold Card. Senior citizens receive a 50 per cent discount on internal bus services.
RAKTA has also been extending the bus network itself. In June, the Purple Route between Al Nakheel and Manar Mall was relaunched with 14 kilometres of coverage, nine stops and 12 daily trips. The route links residents with key healthcare, education and government facilities, including Obaida Allah Hospital, RAK Hospital, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and the People of Determination Centre. The relaunch also put the emirate’s first electric bus onto a public transport route.
The authority is testing newer forms of mobility too. Robotaxi and robobus pilots have been running on RAK roads, and the emirate recently signed an advanced air mobility agreement to create a test zone for flying vehicles. Accessible taxis are a less eye-catching step, but for the people who depend on them they arguably make a bigger difference day to day.
The timing matters. Ras Al Khaimah is in the middle of a major tourism build-out, with new resorts rising on Al Marjan Island, Wynn Al Marjan Island due to open in 2027 and ambitious targets for visitor growth. Transport that works for older travellers and guests with disabilities is part of making that growth inclusive.
What this means for visitors
If you are travelling to Ras Al Khaimah with a wheelchair user or an older family member, the dedicated taxis give you an option beyond private transfers and hire cars. Our guide to getting around Ras Al Khaimah covers the main transport choices, including buses, standard taxis and ride-hailing, while our car rental guide helps if you would rather drive yourself.
A few practical tips for using the service:
- Call 8001700 in advance, especially for airport runs, medical appointments or early-morning pickups.
- Mention the type and size of wheelchair or mobility equipment when booking so the right vehicle is assigned.
- Ask your hotel concierge to help coordinate; larger resorts in Al Hamra and on Al Marjan Island regularly arrange transfers for guests.
- Check accessibility features when choosing where to stay. Our RAK hotels reviews are a good place to start.
Residents holding the Saqr Gold Card can pair free internal bus travel with the dedicated taxi service for journeys buses do not reach. For wider trip planning, see our Ras Al Khaimah travel advice hub.
Source: Khaleej Times