Muscat: The move aims to streamline services, improve public transport, and ensure metered fares across the Sultanate.

Taxi operators must register with OTaxi, Tasleem, Marhaba, Oman Taxi, Hala, or Taxi Muscat, all of which operate via mobile applications. The decision follows several deadline extensions, with the initial cutoff set for January 1, 2024.

Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to modernization. “We focus a lot on streamlining taxi services as part of our plans to improve public transport, and the main objective is to ensure that all taxis should be metered (even orange and white street taxis ) through applications,” he said.

As part of the regulations, taxi drivers must meet the following criteria:

Hold a light driving license for at least three years
Be between 21 and 60 years old
Earn no more than RO 600 if employed in the private sector
Vehicle age limit: Up to 7 years for taxis operating at airports, ports, and hotels
Up to 10 years for taxis at public places and commercial centers
One-year extensions may be granted based on a medical report confirming fitness to drive

As of January 2025, 28,241 taxis are registered in the country, with an increasing number operating under licensed companies. The government’s phased approach has allowed time for individual taxi owners to transition, but April 1 marks the final cutoff.

With eight app-based taxi companies now operating in Oman, the MTCIT is pushing for full compliance to enhance service quality, ensure fare transparency, and modernize the country’s taxi industry.