Planes, Yachts, Automobiles

Dubai Taxi Company has secured 600 additional taxi plates through a recent auction held by the Roads and Transport Authority, extending its lead as the largest taxi operator in Dubai and raising its market share to 47 percent.

The acquisition will expand the company’s fleet from 6,217 to 6,817 vehicles. The rollout of the new taxis is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and will proceed in phases, a plan the company says is intended to preserve operational efficiency and maintain service standards while responding to rising demand for transport services.

According to Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, the expansion reflects continued growth in Dubai’s mobility sector and the company’s strategy to scale its operations in line with the city’s urban development. He said the phased deployment is designed to optimize asset use, strengthen financial performance, and sustain service quality.

The move aligns with broader government efforts to build an integrated and technology-driven transport system, while supporting the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to reinforce the city’s global standing in infrastructure and urban services.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Andrew Shelepnytsky

Andrew Shelepnytsky is an Editor of Dubai Voice.

The traditional arrival at Dubai’s luxury coast has long been a matter of valet stands and marble lobbies. However, a new partnership between maritime operator D-Marin and MEREX Investment is shifting the point of entry offshore. With the launch of an exclusive anchorage zone at J1 Beach, the city is formally integrating its maritime infrastructure with its high-end culinary scene, allowing yacht owners to transition from deck to dining room via the sea.

The service provides a logistical bridge between the water and the shore. Once anchored in the designated zone, guests are ferried by a dedicated D-Marin tender to a private jetty. This sea-gate provides immediate access to a collection of 13 world-class restaurants and beach clubs, effectively turning the offshore area into a functional extension of the beach.

A Global Shoreline

The J1 Beach district has been curated as a high-density hub of international lifestyle brands. The destination draws heavily from the aesthetic of the French Riviera, Tulum, and New York, offering a licensed environment that caters to a globalized palate. Key establishments defining the space include Gigi Rigolatto, an Italian-inspired enclave bringing Mediterranean elegance to the Gulf; Sirene by Gaia, a Greek-led concept focused on high-concept coastal dining; and Bâoli, a renowned brand that bridges the gap between sophisticated gastronomy and evening social scenes.

Located just a short distance from the 160-berth D-Marin Port De La Mer, this new anchorage service reinforces the "marina-as-a-lifestyle" model. For the superyacht clientele, it offers a refined, day-to-night transition that avoids the friction of urban traffic.

The Superyacht Hub Ambition

This expansion brings D-Marin’s portfolio to five marinas within the emirate, signaling a deeper integration of maritime services into Dubai’s broader tourism and entertainment strategy. By establishing world-class anchorage destinations alongside traditional berthing, Dubai is solidifying its position as a global superyacht hub.

In the 2026 landscape, the Contributor to Dubai’s coastal economy is the realization that the most prestigious way to experience the city is no longer by road, but by the wake of a tender.

Photo credit: D-Marin

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.