The United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of different cultures and communities, and they are united by the public transportation system. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is no exception. Public transport in Abu Dhabi is operated by the Department of Transport (DoT), which is responsible for its development, planning and integration.
However, if you’re new to Abu Dhabi, getting around can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a personal car, your workplace doesn’t provide transportation, or you can’t rely on other people to drive. What type of transport is available in Abu Dhabi? How can tourists or locals make the most of this on the way to and from work? Here’s everything you need to know about public transportation in Abu Dhabi.
Bus transport Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Public Bus Transport Service was announced in 2008. It is a DoT enterprise designed to meet the transportation needs of various communities in the Emirates. One of their services is the popular public bus in the city.
Public buses in the emirate operate 24/7 and are air-conditioned for passengers with disabilities. Seniors (over 60) and passengers with disabilities travel free of charge. In addition, the service is very easy to use and passengers put AED 2 in a collection box next to the driver when they get on and off the bus. Of course, if you plan to use the bus regularly, you can always use the Hafilat smartcard.
Hafilat Smart Card
The Hafilat Smart Card can be used to pay for any public transportation in Abu Dhabi. Depending on the type of card received, the Hafilat Card may allow passengers to receive passes, top-up in cash through the T Wallet, or both. These passes are easy to use and are a great incentive for those who frequently travel to Abu Dhabi in a flexible and easy way.
There are six types of Hafilat cards available, designed to meet different needs and current requirements. To better understand how the Abu Dhabi bus pass works, here are the prices and other information for each category:
Temporary card
For a limited time period of AED 5 (14 days from date of purchase), Hafilat Temporary Card holders can top up AED 150 in their T-wallet and can add a 7-day pass. Special additions permitted in this regard include a 30 AED renewable unlimited city pass valid for 7 consecutive days.
Permanent card (anonymous)
Anonymous card worth 10 dirhams. The Hafilat Permanent Card is valid for 5 years. Additional special offers include AED 30 unlimited local pass and AED 80 continuous 30-day validity. In addition, permanent (personalized) Hafilat cards for people with special needs, seniors and students cost AED 5 and are valid for 5 years. Special needs, seniors and student IDs are not eligible to attach special prices.
Hafilat Card and Public Transport Fares
The following rates are calculated based on the total bus route traveled by category:
- By public transport (local city bus): AED 2
- By public transport (shuttle bus): AED 2 + 5 fils per kilometer
- By public transport (intercity bus): AED 10 + 10 fils per kilometer
Hafilat card issuance points can be purchased at shopping malls, bus stations, ticket machines and customer service centers in Abu Dhabi. By submitting personal photos and the necessary documents, you can also visit the card exit at the bus station ticket office.
Public transportation services available for each Hafilat category include local city buses, commuter buses, and intercity buses from Abu Dhabi. For information on Abu Dhabi bus timetables and Abu Dhabi transportation routes (such as intercity buses) visit the DoT website.
Ministry of Transport fined Abu Dhabi for violation of public transport
Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Transport has developed appropriate regulations to ensure that its bus services provide passengers with comfort and convenience. Violation of the bus traffic rules will result in huge fines. In this regard, passengers should be aware of some penalties:
- Concern for other passengers: AED 500.
- Eating, drinking or smoking in restricted areas: AED 200.
- Resale tickets: AED 500.
- Traveling at the wrong rate: AED 200
- Access to an area designated for a certain class of passengers: AED 100
- Obstructing the safe passage of other passengers: AED 200.
- Disturbance of driver or public transport representatives: AED 200.
- Place your feet on the seat or extend your arms out of windows and doors: AED 200
- Failure to provide authorization to an authorized person: AED 500.
Ferry service
Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Transport operates two passenger and car ferries from the city to Del Mar Island and vice versa. Two ferries operate daily, allowing passengers to travel to and from the island in one day. Passengers should also know the following information before taking the ferry to Del Mar or Abu Dhabi:
- Passengers 12 years and older: AED 20.
- Passengers under 12: free
- Transportation cost for 1 vehicle: AED 100.
- Passengers must also have the following documents with them before arriving at the port:
Vehicle Registration Card: Used to transport vehicles on a ferry.
Valid ID: Any official identification such as a valid UAE ID, passport, employment card or driver’s license.
We recommend visiting the DoT website to learn more about safety regulations, ferry schedules and port locations. Individuals can also call Abu Dhabi toll-free for more information.
Taxis
In addition to regular taxis, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi also provides special taxi services for women, children and passengers with disabilities. You can mark a taxi on the road and order a taxi through your phone or mobile app. Most shopping centers have dedicated taxi ranks. However, you can also call TransAd at 60-053-5353 to reserve your seat. Apart from regular taxis, tourists or residents also need to understand two taxi services:
The silver taxi that is paid for by an authorized taxi service. Pink taxis are women-driven and are exclusively for female passengers and children under 10 years of age.
Local taxi services such as Uber and Careem also cover public transport in Abu Dhabi. Most taxi drivers speak Arabic as well as international languages such as Filipino, English and Urdu, which is very suitable for foreigners living in the country.
For people who often rely on city taxi services, we recommend downloading the Abu Dhabi taxi app for iOS and Android platforms.