Left Something in a Taxi? Here’s What Dubai Riders Forget Most in 2025
- Publish date: since 3 hours Reading time: 1 min read
From cash to passports, Dubai passengers forget it all — and the RTA’s Lost & Found team works tirelessly to return it.
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Dubai’s taxis saw a record number of lost items in 2025, with passengers leaving behind more than 104,000 belongings, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
What Gets Left Behind
Wallets, cash, smartphones, laptops, passports, jewellery, and other valuables topped the list.
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Cash: Over Dh2 million
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Electronic devices: Around 35,000 items
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Official documents: Nearly 3,000, including passports
The range shows that Dubai residents and visitors are surprisingly forgetful during their daily commutes.
Keeping Passengers’ Belongings Safe
Meera Al Shaikh, Director of Customer Happiness at RTA, said,
“Our lost property system is a vital part of providing a seamless and trusted mobility experience. Every item returned reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction and the integrity of our drivers.”
Reporting Made Easy
Passengers can report lost items through multiple channels:
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Call Centre: 56% of reports
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Virtual agent Mahboub (text chat): 30.8%
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RTA smart app: 10.8%
Services are available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Filipino, French, Chinese, Russian, and more, catering to Dubai’s diverse population.
Technology Meets Trust
The RTA uses real-time taxi tracking and smart systems to contact drivers quickly. Most customers are reached within two hours, ensuring swift and safe return of lost items. Strict identity checks protect privacy and secure handovers.
Honest Drivers, Happy Passengers
Drivers play a crucial role, often recognized for promptly handing in items. The Call Centre received over 30 appreciation messages from grateful passengers in 2025.
Al Shaikh added,
“Protecting passengers’ belongings is just as important as providing safe and efficient journeys. Our integrated Lost & Found system ensures no item is truly lost, and every passenger can travel with confidence.”