Dubai Taxis Found Over 104,000 Lost Items in 2025 Including AED 2 Million Cash
January 20, 2026
Dubai’s famous taxis saw a record number of lost items in 2025. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reported that passengers left behind 104,162 items across the Emirate last year. Items lost included over AED 2 million in cash, about 35,000 electronic devices like smartphones and laptops, and nearly 3,000 official documents such as passports and IDs.
The losses reveal how busy life in Dubai drives people to forget valuable things in taxis. The RTA has a strong Lost & Found system that helps recover items fast. Often, riders get their belongings back within two hours of reporting.
Passengers can report lost items in different ways: through the call centre (56%), the virtual assistant Mahboub (30.8%), or the RTA smart app (10.8%). Services are available in many languages like Arabic, English, Hindi, Filipino, French, and more.
Meera Al Shaikh, Director of Customer Happiness at RTA, said, "The lost property framework strengthens trust in Dubai’s mobility ecosystem, raising satisfaction not just for journeys but for what passengers take with them afterward."
People usually lose items because they are in a hurry or distracted. Unlike many cities where lost goods vanish, Dubai’s system ensures safety and privacy with quick communication between drivers and passengers.
To avoid leaving things behind, riders are advised to check seats and door pockets before leaving, keep valuables visible, note taxi details, and use tracking devices like AirTags.
The RTA’s Lost & Found team also received over 30 thank-you messages from happy riders in 2025. Dubai’s approach to lost items sets a high standard for other smart cities worldwide. It shows how technology and teamwork make city travel safer and more reassuring for everyone.
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Tags:
Dubai Taxis
Lost And Found
Rta
Forgotten Items
Cash Recovery
Smart City
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