logo
Over 6000 taxis available on Bolt Platform: DTC

Over 6000 taxis available on Bolt Platform: DTC

Zawya22-05-2025
In a landmark move to elevate smart transportation services across the emirate, Dubai Taxi Company's (DTC) Partner Bolt, the global shared mobility platform, is thrilled to announce a major expansion in Dubai.
Over 6,000 DTC Taxis, including People of Determination Taxis and Ladies and Family Taxis (Pink Taxis), are now available on the Bolt platform.
This expansion reinforces DTC's commitment to enhancing ease and convenience for residents and visitors planning their commute with digital efficiency.
With this significant milestone, Bolt is celebrating the launch with an introductory offer, of 30% cash back on the first three taxi rides, with no surge pricing guaranteed.
With the rapid increase in demand for taxis, residents and visitors to Dubai will now have yet another option to seamlessly book taxis directly through the Bolt app, ensuring a stress-free and reliable start to their journey.
Along with transparent pricing, the app has key differentiators, including a proprietary mapping system ensuring accurate routes, advanced in-app safety features like emergency buttons and live tracking, and a driver score system that promotes high service quality.
This initiative reinforces Bolt's commitment to providing innovative and user-friendly mobility solutions that make travel easier for everyone.
Aligned with Dubai Taxi's ambitious growth and the Dubai government's directive to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-booking in the coming years, the addition of taxi services marks a significant milestone in enhancing and expanding digital transportation services. By leveraging Bolt's world-class platform, DTC is set to unlock a greater share of the AED 6 billion market opportunity within Dubai's rapidly evolving taxi and e-hailing sector.
This initiative is part of DTC's new strategy for 2025–2029, which is set to solidify its leadership and reinforce its position as the largest taxi operator in the emirates and a regional leader in the transportation sector.
Ammar Al Braiki, Chief Operations Officer, Dubai Taxi Company, said, 'The integration of over 6,000 DTC's vehicles onto the Bolt app represents a major step toward realising our vision of creating the UAE's largest e-hailing platform. This milestone underscores our commitment to enhancing and expanding digital transportation services, reflecting both innovation and our shared goal of offering greater convenience and efficiency for users across the emirate.'
'Looking ahead, we envision Bolt's reach expanding beyond Dubai into other emirates and verticals. This aligns seamlessly with our mission to support Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable city, fostering innovation and environmental responsibility in every step we take,' he added.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Overcoming fear of flying: How hypnosis, CBT, talk therapy and breathing techniques work
Overcoming fear of flying: How hypnosis, CBT, talk therapy and breathing techniques work

The National

time26 minutes ago

  • The National

Overcoming fear of flying: How hypnosis, CBT, talk therapy and breathing techniques work

Living in the UAE is synonymous with taking a lot of flights. Whether travelling to visit friends and family or jetting off to foreign climes for a holiday, figures from a 2021 World Bank study placed the UAE 16th out of 177 countries for the number of passengers transported by airlines registered in the respective country. While planning trips and travelling abroad has many benefits, for those who suffer from a fear of flying, the idea of jetting off is not joyful, but filled with anxiety and stress and can even trigger panic attacks. 'The fear of flying is known as aviophobia or aerophobia,' says Christi Gadd, psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. 'In clinical terms, aviophobia falls under the diagnosis of a 'specific phobia'. For some, fear of flying is a discrete, situational phobia without broader psychological complications. This may involve fear of turbulence, crashing, or losing control during a flight, and may be triggered by a past traumatic experience while flying, vicarious learning such as hearing about an aviation disaster, or classical conditioning related to safety and danger.' For those suffering from aviophobia, there are various options available that can help alleviate stress around flying – from medical intervention to hypnotherapy and breathwork. Cognitive behavioural therapy and medication Depending on the severity of the symptoms, doctors may prescribe medication to tackle anxiety. Experts suggest looking at the underlying causes of the fear with a cognitive approach first. 'I've encountered numerous patients with a heightened fear of flying,' says Dr Munaz Ahamed, general practitioner at Aster Clinic, Tecom. 'From a medical perspective, addressing a fear of flying can be approached through a combination of psychological and behavioural strategies. Cognitive behavioural therapy is often highly effective in helping individuals to understand and change the thought patterns contributing to fear. Exposure therapy, a component of CBT, can gradually desensitise individuals to flying by gently exposing the individuals to flight-related situations.' Managing short-term stress around flying may necessitate anti-anxiety medicine. Melatonin is another popular option as it is a natural hormone that regulates sleep and may work to lessen stressful feelings. 'Anti-anxiety medications like controlled medicines are highly effective for flight anxiety and advised for situational use before flying,' says Dr Salman Kareem, specialist psychiatrist, Aster Royal Clinic, Downtown & Aster Clinic, JLT. 'The medication, however, depends on individual factors including medical history, severity of symptoms and frequency of travel and can be prescribed by a physician after consulting them.' Hypnotherapy and emotional freedom technique Hypnotherapy works by identifying the root causes of the fear before subconsciously rewiring the brain to promote calmer thinking around flying. 'The hypnotic space is a deep meditative state that a therapist guides you into using their voice and your breathing,' says Pavan Nihalani, hypnotherapist at Illuminations Wellbeing Centre. 'You are conscious and fully in control while gaining access to the subconscious mind.' Explaining how the technique can be used to tackle phobias, he explains: 'Fear is based in something that happened in the past. With hypnotherapy, we can go back to the memory and desensitise the reaction to it by removing the emotional charge, allowing you to view the experience more dispassionately.' Hypnotherapy sessions begin with discussions around the fear, including what the patient thinks may be causing it. 'Many times, people don't remember the specific incident or perhaps there isn't one,' says Nihalani. 'This is why we go into the subconscious mind, because it remembers everything.' Fear of flying can result from a past traumatic event or even having watched a TV show or film, listened to a podcast or read a book or article about an airplane disaster, which the patient internalises, turning it into a memory. 'Combining hypnotherapy with emotional freedom technique and breathwork is one of the most effective ways to tackle fear of flying,' says Nihalani. 'EFT is the process of rubbing or tapping meridian points on the body while focusing on the fear to release it from the body. Each time you do it, the intensity is reduced.' Talk and exposure therapy Speaking to a therapis t about your fears is a beneficial way to discover if aviophobia is masking something deeper, as well as providing emotional tools to practice mindfulness by yourself. 'The first step is to explore whether we are working with a specific phobia or a fear that is linked to more generalised emotional processes,' says Gadd. 'Once this is clarified, the therapeutic process typically includes talk therapy to explore the client's subjective experience and meaning-making around the fear." This is then combined with exposure therapy, "which involves using gradual exposure to the feared situation, such as imagery, virtual simulations, or eventual flights, tailored to the individual's readiness and tolerance. This exploration of underlying processes identifies broader fears or relational dynamics, particularly if the fear is symbolic or trauma-linked.' Fear of flying may be linked to other issues, such as being afraid of losing control, claustrophobia and fear of death or panic. As with hypnotherapy, patients are taught coping mechanisms to use outside of therapy sessions to manage their fears around flying. 'Several practical and evidence-based strategies can help clients manage their fear,' says Gadd. 'Mindfulness-based interventions, such as grounding techniques and breath control, focus on building distress tolerance and are particularly effective for managing anticipatory anxiety and panic during the flight. Some airlines also offer flight anxiety programmes, which combine psychological support with educational content and gradual exposure, often including accompanied flights.' Breathwork Focusing on and controlling breathing has become a popular and effective way to manage fears. 'Breathing is a subconscious action that the nervous system manages without you realising,' says Elisabeth Bohler, a breathwork educator and coach. 'When you move to consciously become in charge of the way you breathe, you can alter your state of breath to achieve a specific outcome such as to relax, calm down, self-soothe and meditate.' As the nervous system cannot differentiate between an actual threat and a self-created threat, stress and anxiety around flying creates negative emotions and trauma in the brain that the nervous systems reacts to by triggering fight or flight mode. This leads to increased heart rate and difficulty breathing and can result in panic attacks. 'Breath is an excellent indicator of our nervous system and is the only tool that can reach between the nervous system and body, acting as a reset button within minutes,' says Bohler. Patients are taught functional breathing techniques, which can help slow the heart rate and reduce stress. As an effective exercise, Bohler suggests inhaling, then pinching your nose and holding your breath for five seconds before exhaling, repeating this for three to five minutes if you feel panicked on or before a flight. 'It has the same effect as breathing into a paper bag, which is to re-elevate your carbon dioxide levels,' she says. 'Focusing on breathing pulls you back from overthinking and forces you into the present.'

Federal Reserve meeting: If not now, then when?
Federal Reserve meeting: If not now, then when?

The National

timean hour ago

  • The National

Federal Reserve meeting: If not now, then when?

The Federal Reserve enters this week facing relentless pressure from the White House, mixed economic data and continued uncertainty. Yet, in the face of it all, the US central bank is expected to hold rates steady once more. The meeting comes less than a week after President Donald Trump's tour of the Fed headquarters, where he and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly bickered over the renovation project's costs. But with Mr Trump on holiday in Scotland, focus now shifts towards the Fed's interest rates. Mr Powell had acknowledged the bank would have cut rates by now were it not for Mr Trump's tariffs, which have put the global economy on edge since his announcement on April 2. The President's harsher 'reciprocal tariffs' are due to take effect on Friday. Meanwhile, recent data shows that other charges are beginning to be passed on to consumers. The Labour Department's Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed that inflation rose to 2.7 per cent annually in June. Everyday goods such as toys, household appliances and clothing also saw price increases. Citing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the current inflation level above its 2 per cent target, most Fed officials are signalling they will keep their target range level for a fifth consecutive meeting at 4.25 to 4.50 per cent. The UAE Central Bank, which mirrors Fed decisions due to the dollar peg, would also be expected to hold rates at 4.4 per cent following the US central bank's announcement. Path forward According to the Fed's projections from June, it still expects to cut rates twice this year to bring its target level to around 3.9 per cent. But with the central bank likely to hold interest rates at this meeting and only three left on the calendar this year, the window to cut is closing. 'We're simply taking some time,' Mr Powell said during a panel discussion in Portugal at the start of July. Mr Powell has practised extreme caution towards cutting rates this year, afraid that moving too soon or too quickly could lead to a renewed spike in prices not long after the most recent inflationary surge, with CPI inflation peaking at 9.1 per cent in 2022. 'When you get through an inflation episode like that, by the skin of their teeth, they're going to be really careful about anything that looks inflationary from now on,' said Derek Tang, an economist at LHMeyer/Monetary Policy Analytics in Washington. Traders anticipate the Fed will resume cutting rates in September, before reductions in October and December, according to CME Group data. A deluge of economic data this week should also give Fed officials greater clarity on the direction of the economy. When you get through an inflation episode like that, by the skin of their teeth, they're going to be really careful about anything that looks inflationary from now on Derek Tang, economist at LHMeyer / Monetary Policy Analytics The Labour Department will provide fresh insight into the health of the labour market with the Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey on Tuesday and the June unemployment report on Friday. The government will also report on second-quarter GDP hours before the Fed rate announcement. US economic activity contracted by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter, but economists note that was due to a surge of imports as business rushed to get ahead of tariffs. The Fed's preferred inflation metric – Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index – for June is also due to be released on Thursday. Fed divisions Not everyone might be on board with the committee's decision this time. Public remarks indicate a growing division inside the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee. Fed Governor Christopher Waller, who holds a permanent vote on the rate-setting committee, laid out his case for a quarter-point cut earlier this month. Speaking in New York, he said the Fed should not wait for further weakening in the labour market to act. 'With inflation near target and the upside risks to inflation limited, we should not wait until the labour market deteriorates before we cut the policy rate,' he said. US job growth was more solid than expected in June, although most of those gains occurred in the government sector. At the same time, the unemployment rate has remained steady around 4.1 per cent. Dissents among FOMC members are rare. Under Mr Powell's stewardship, only 3 per cent of dissents have come from a Fed governor. 'I'm sure it'll get a lot of attention,' said David Wilcox, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and director of US economic research at Bloomberg Economics. However, he argued such disagreements could guard against groupthink. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman could join Mr Waller's dissent after she voiced her own support for a rate cut this month. It would be the first time two Fed governors dissented on a rate move since 2002, when Alan Greenspan was in charge of the central bank. Mr Wilcox, a former staff member of the Federal Reserve Board, expects Mr Powell to acknowledge there could be a case to cut rates this week but that a majority of officials favour holding them steady. 'And he'll lay out the rationale for why that is,' he said. What will Trump say? Looming against this backdrop is Mr Trump, who softened his stance on Mr Powell last week after touring the Fed's headquarters. Those attacks have ranged from calling the Fed Chair a 'numbskull' to at times publicly considering whether he should fire him. But last week's tour offered some relief for Mr Powell after Mr Trump said he did not think the unprecedented move is necessary. 'I think we had a very good meeting on interest rates. And [Mr Powell] said to me … very strongly, the country is doing well,' Mr Trump told reporters after touring the Fed. 'I got that to mean that I think he's going to start recommending lower rates.' Mr Powell has sometimes cited the economy's strength as a reason not to move on rates. The President's holiday in Scotland could give the Federal Reserve some breathing room for now, although Mr Trump has proven he can dictate the news cycle and gyrate financial markets with a push of a button.

UAE's Growth: Economy, Culture, Sustainability & Innovation
UAE's Growth: Economy, Culture, Sustainability & Innovation

UAE Moments

time9 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

UAE's Growth: Economy, Culture, Sustainability & Innovation

The United Arab Emirates: A Comprehensive Insight into Progress, Culture, and Economy Introduction to the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a modern nation recognized globally for its remarkable advancements in technology, architecture, and economic development. Situated in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Since its formation in 1971, the UAE has transformed from a desert economy reliant on pearl fishing into a global hub for trade, tourism, finance, and innovation. With a strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, the UAE serves as a focal point for international businesses and cultural diversity. The blend of traditional Arab heritage and futuristic modernization makes it one of the most intriguing destinations for tourists, investors, and expatriates. Through strategic planning and visionary leadership, the UAE has established itself as a powerhouse in the Middle East and beyond. A Thriving Economy Built on Oil, Trade, and Diversification The Role of Oil in UAE's Economic Beginnings The foundation of the UAE's economic development began with the discovery of oil in the region. Oil exports led to a rapid influx of wealth, allowing the country to invest heavily in infrastructure and public services during the 1970s and 1980s. Abu Dhabi, which holds the majority of the UAE's oil resources, became the primary financial contributor to the federation's prosperity. However, while oil revenues played a significant role in the initial phase of development, the UAE understood that reliance on a single resource posed risks to long-term stability. This insight led to a concentrated effort to shift the economy towards diversification. Today, oil contributes less than 30% of its GDP, showcasing the success of its strategic planning. Economic Diversification and Innovation To reduce dependence on oil, the UAE has invested heavily in industries such as tourism, technology, real estate, aviation, and renewable energy. Dubai, often regarded as the face of UAE's economic success, has become a global hub for trade and tourism. Attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and events like the Dubai Expo highlight its ability to attract visitors and investors from all over the world. Real-world examples include Dubai International Airport, which consistently ranks among the busiest airports globally, showcasing the UAE's importance in global connectivity. Another instance of innovation is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, an urban development focused on sustainability and renewable energy, supporting the UAE's vision for a green future. Statistical Insights into UAE's Economy According to data from the World Bank, the UAE's GDP reached approximately $421 billion in 2022, reflecting its impressive economic growth. Non-oil sectors account for over 70% of this GDP, indicating the effectiveness of its diversification policies. Additionally, international trade amounts to nearly $600 billion annually, positioning the UAE as the Middle East's trade capital. The UAE has also ranked among the top 10 countries globally for ease of doing business, with various free zones like Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Dubai Airport Free Zone providing incentives for international companies. Such initiatives have driven the UAE to become a preferred destination for global investors. Culture: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity The Heritage of the UAE and Preservation of Arab Identity Despite its rapid modernization, the UAE prides itself on maintaining its Arab roots and heritage. Traditional values of hospitality, family, and respect still dominate everyday life. Cultural landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi serve as symbols of both religious devotion and architectural genius. Festivals like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day highlight the UAE's rich cultural traditions. These events are celebrated with grandeur and serve as moments where residents, expatriates, and tourists come together to appreciate the Emirati way of life. Integration of Global Customs and Diversity The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural nations globally. The Emirati people have embraced diversity by integrating various cuisines, languages, and customs into their culture. For example, Dubai hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival, an event that attracts international participants and showcases a blend of global traditions. Cultural exchange is evident in the UAE's educational institutions as well, where schools offer curricula from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, India, and more. Expatriates find comfort in the UAE's inclusive laws, while Emiratis retain their heritage, creating a harmonious society. Sustainable Urban Development and Architecture Modern Architectural Wonders The UAE has become synonymous with groundbreaking architectural achievements. From the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa, to the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah, the country's innovative spirit knows no bounds. The Louvre Abu Dhabi offers another example of architectural ingenuity, combining traditional Arab designs with modern aesthetics. Such projects have not only captivated the world's attention but have also driven economic growth by attracting millions of tourists annually. For example, statistics show that Dubai received nearly 16 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the most visited cities globally. Sustainable Development Projects The UAE has also taken a leadership role in promoting sustainable urban development. Masdar City serves as a shining example, with its focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and zero-carbon living. Additionally, projects like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy aim to make renewable energy account for 75% of Dubai's power by 2050. Alongside these initiatives, the UAE has launched programs like the Green Economy Initiative and UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to reduce carbon emissions, ensuring modernity does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Tourism: A Pillar of UAE's Diversified Economy Global Attractions and Events Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE, contributing significantly to the nation's economy. Landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, and Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace are magnets for travelers worldwide. Events like the Dubai Expo and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix further diversify the types of tourists visiting the country. Research conducted by Dubai Tourism reveals that the emirate aims to attract 25 million visitors by 2025. This ambitious target reflects the success of various tourism strategies, including hosting cultural festivals, music events, and exhibitions. Artificial islands and luxury resorts have also contributed to strengthening the UAE's reputation as a world-class tourist destination. The Rise of Eco-Tourism Eco-tourism is emerging as a popular trend in the UAE, thanks to initiatives such as the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Jubail Mangrove Park. These destinations allow visitors to connect with nature while learning about the UAE's environmental conservation efforts. Furthermore, wildlife sanctuaries like Sir Bani Yas Island offer a haven for endangered species, turning the UAE into more than just a destination for opulence—it's also a place for ecological exploration. Education and Technological Innovations Advancements in UAE's Educational Sector The UAE prioritizes education as a cornerstone for future development. State-of-the-art schools and universities, such as Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, reflect the country's commitment to raising globally competitive professionals. Education reforms have introduced technology-driven curricula to ensure students are prepared for the digital age. For example, the UAE Ministry of Education's Smart Learning Program has integrated advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into classrooms, offering new opportunities for teaching and learning. The UAE as a Regional Technology Leader The UAE has emerged as a hub for technological innovations. Startups specializing in technology reside in zones like Dubai Internet City, supported by government funding and incubator programs. The UAE is also pushing boundaries in AI through high-profile projects such as employing AI for healthcare diagnostics and smart city developments. Additionally, Emirates Mars Mission—the UAE's space exploration venture—highlights its foray into advanced sciences, making it the first Arab nation to reach Mars. Such initiatives solidify the UAE's position as a leader in modern innovation. Business Environment and Opportunities A Magnet for Global Investors The UAE provides an investor-friendly business ecosystem backed by free zones, tax exemptions, and modern infrastructure. JAFZA alone has over 8,000 companies across industries, ranging from logistics to advanced manufacturing. Moreover, UAE's robust banking system and strong rule of law make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking stability in the Middle East. Major corporations, such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have established offices in the UAE, capitalizing on its strategic location and advanced digital infrastructure. Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs Initiatives like Dubai Future Accelerators and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival encourage global startups to operate in the UAE. Emirati youth are also displaying a growing interest in entrepreneurship, supported by programs such as Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which offers grants and mentorship. Statistics show that SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) contribute over 53% to the UAE's GDP, emphasizing the country's commitment to fostering innovation and growth. UAE's Vision for the Future The UAE has set ambitious goals under Vision 2021 and Vision 2030 frameworks, which emphasize sustainability, innovation, and diversification. Projects like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy align with these goals, with a focus on shifting away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the upcoming COP28 conference, to be hosted in the UAE, exemplifies the country's leadership in tackling global environmental challenges. Global Collaborations and Partnerships The UAE continues to strengthen its international relations through partnerships with major economies like the United States, China, and India. Collaborative efforts in sectors such as energy, education, and defense underscore the country's importance on the global stage. Its active participation in organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) further showcases the UAE's role in shaping the future of sustainable development worldwide.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store