Free Dubai taxi rides for people with disabilities

People with special needs or disabilities are eligible for free taxi rides in Dubai for the remainder of the year.

Dubai Taxi Corporation announced its initiative "Al Khair Ride", meaning the ride of goodwill on Saturday.

To book a taxi, a person with disabilities need only call 042080808. The taxis that will be sent to callers will be equipped with added technologies to lift wheelchair users, and to provide safety and privacy for passengers. They will be driven by drivers trained to assist people with disabilities, said Dr Yousef Al Ali, chief executive of DTC and vice-chairman of the Road and Transport Authority's Charity Foundation.

The service will be available around the clock at Dubai airports.

Dr Al Ali said the service is in support of the Dubai Government’s aims to turn the emirate into one of the world's most disabled-friendly cities by 2020.

The National