Watch: London-style black cabs to hit the road in Dubai next month

The new public transport fleet is inspired by the famous taxis operating in the capital of the United Kingdom

The new London-style black cabs will be trialled in Dubai from next month. Courtesy: RTA

A fleet of London-style “black cabs” will be rolled out on the streets of Dubai.

The emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority said the sleek line of taxis – a hybrid design using electricity and fuel – will hit the road next month.

The trial use of the eye-catching vehicles, featuring the famous black colour and semi-curved shape of taxis across much of Britain, will be managed by Dubai Taxi Corporation.

The service will be available at Dubai International Airport during the trial period.

The eco-friendly taxis coming to Dubai:

The black cab is a mainstay of London's roads. The familiar taxi was given a new look by Chinese car manufacturer, Geely, after it took over London Taxis International, rebranding it as London Electric Vehicle Company. All pictures courtesy: LEVC

The TX electric taxi - coming to a Dubai road near you - meets London's clean-air regulations

The mode transport doesn't just come in black either, though it will come in the traditional colour in Dubai

The London taxi will operate on the roads of Dubai when a trial run begins next month

The eco-friendly taxi sporting the yellow paint job usually seen on the cabs of New York

Commuters will be able to flag down a black cab from Dubai International Airport from February

Dubai’s new range of taxis will have spacious interiors, with room for six seats

The taxis are fitted with a satellite-based navigation system and other hi-tech features

The emirate's latest form of public transport will also meet the needs of disabled members of the public

Dubai’s new range of taxis will have spacious interiors, with room for six seats in a separate cabin from the driver.

The design is well served to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The taxis are fitted with a satellite-based navigation system, voice command, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning software, in addition to a Wi-Fi network.

The London taxi has a dual engine for better control of the vehicle under different climate conditions. It also has accelerated braking system and a battery that can be recharged in only 30 minutes.

The news was announced by Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the RTA, during a visit to the Dubai Taxi Corporation.