Losing something while travelling across Dubai’s transport network can turn a calm day into a stressful one. Whether it’s a misplaced phone in a taxi or a wallet left on the metro, the Dubai taxi lost and found service, managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), ensures passengers can report, track, and reclaim their belongings quickly and securely.
Covering taxis, buses, trams, and the metro, RTA offers one of the most efficient lost and found systems in the region.
- Understanding RTA lost and found services
- Why the RTA lost and found service matters
- RTA lost and found in Dubai
- How to report lost items
- Step-by-step recovery process
- Customer Happiness Centres
- RTA taxi lost and found specifics
- Lost items on buses, metro, and trams
- Tips to improve your chances of recovery
- Expected Timelines for Item Recovery
- Essential documents and special items
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding RTA lost and found services
The RTA Lost and Found system is a dedicated recovery network that tracks lost items across all public transport services. It was created to maintain passenger trust and ensure Dubai’s transport remains both safe and reliable.
Every day, RTA receives dozens of reports – from wallets and jewellery to mobile phones and passports. Most items are returned within days thanks to the authority’s centralised digital system, which links transport operators, drivers, and customer centres across the city.
According to recent updates from the RTA, the service covers all RTA-operated modes – Dubai Taxis, the Dubai Metro, RTA buses, and the Dubai Tram. Once a report is submitted, each mode follows a standardised tracking process to trace and return the lost item.
Why the RTA lost and found service matters
Dubai’s transport network operates millions of trips annually, and the potential for misplaced belongings is high. To address this, RTA established a streamlined reporting system that significantly improves recovery rates.
Local reports have highlighted that nearly all misplaced items reported to RTA are successfully returned, with a recovery success rate approaching 99% for taxi-related cases. This exceptional rate is made possible by driver accountability, digital record-keeping, and efficient coordination between passengers and operators.
In many cases, drivers who return high-value items – such as laptops, watches, or even significant sums of money – receive formal recognition from the RTA for their honesty and professionalism. The system therefore not only supports passengers but also reinforces community trust and service ethics among transport workers.
RTA lost and found in Dubai
The primary contact point for all lost and found reports is the RTA call centre (800 9090), which now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, passengers can report items via the S’hail mobile application by navigating to the “Feedback” section and selecting “Lost and Found.”
Information required for filing a report
- Clear description of the item.
- Vehicle’s licence or side number (essential for taxis).
- Trip details, including date, time, and pick-up and drop-off points.
- Your contact information (mobile number and email address).
For items lost outside RTA vehicles – such as in shopping centres or non-public transport areas – passengers should use the Dubai Police app to request a “Lost Certificate.” This can be used for insurance or official documentation if the item cannot be recovered.
How to report lost items
There are multiple ways to report lost belongings through RTA’s official channels:
- Call 800-9090 to speak directly with an RTA representative.
- Use the S’hail app and select Feedback → Lost and Found.
- Email ASK@rta.ae with item and trip details.
- Visit a Customer Happiness Centre in Deira, Al Barsha, or Al Tawar.
- Reach out through RTA’s verified social media accounts.
Once the report is filed, passengers receive a tracking number via SMS or email to monitor the progress of the recovery request.
For taxi losses, the Dubai taxi lost and found service ensures a smooth process, whether you collect the item yourself or request delivery.
Step-by-step recovery process
The RTA follows a clear, traceable workflow for every lost item:
- Initial report submission through call, app, or email.
- Verification and registration into the RTA central system.
- Vehicle tracking via GPS and trip data.
- The driver contacted to inspect the vehicle.
- Confirmation and notification to the passenger via SMS.
- Collection or delivery of the recovered item.
This ensures every report is handled quickly and transparently – making RTA Dubai Lost and Found one of the most reliable public transport services in the UAE.
Customer Happiness Centres
For in-person assistance, RTA operates Customer Happiness Centres in key areas of Dubai. Typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although hours may vary on weekends and holidays. Main locations include:
1. Al Barsha Centre
It is located in the General Department of Traffic Bldg – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Qouz Ind. third – Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 – Dubai
Contact information
800 9090
2. Deira Centre
It is located behind Dubai Police General H.Q, Al Quds St, Al Twar First, Al Twar 1, Dubai.
Contact information
800 9090
3. Al Tawar Centre
It is located on the 1st Floor, Al Twar Centre, Al Nahda St, Next to Ministry of Education, Dubai.
Contact information
800 9090
RTA taxi lost and found specifics
Most lost-item cases occur in taxis, making the Dubai taxi lost and found service particularly important. With every RTA taxi tracked via GPS and linked to a unique licence number, misplaced items can be located and returned quickly.
When reporting a taxi-related loss, it’s important to include:
- Taxi licence plate or side number.
- Exact trip time or booking receipt.
- Pick-up and drop-off locations.
After reporting, RTA contacts the driver to check the vehicle. If found, the item can be picked up or delivered to your location.
To encourage honesty, RTA regularly recognises drivers who return high-value items through public appreciation and award programmes.
Lost items on buses, metro, and trams
The RTA Lost and Found service also extends to buses, metro, and trams.
Metro and tram
Station attendants can file reports on-site, and found items are stored at RTA’s central facility.
Buses
The same 800-9090 number applies. Each bus has a unique vehicle ID that allows for tracing routes and contacting drivers. In some cases, unclaimed valuables are transferred to the Dubai Police.
Tips to improve your chances of recovery
Losing an item can happen in seconds, but quick and accurate action makes all the difference. Follow these simple steps to boost the chances of getting your belongings back fast:
- Keep your taxi receipt to reference the trip and taxi numbers.
- Report the loss as soon as possible.
- Provide accurate item descriptions, including brand, colour, and special features.
- Always check seats and storage areas before exiting the vehicle.
- For Abu Dhabi taxis, contact the Integrated Transport Centre via their 24/7 call centre.
Expected timelines for item recovery
Officially, cases are resolved within three to ten days; however, many passengers report getting their items back within 24 hours. Items such as passports or high-value goods may take longer to process due to verification of ownership.
Essential documents and special items
If passports, Emirates IDs, or other official documents are lost, passengers should report the loss immediately through both the RTA and Dubai Police channels. For valuables such as jewellery or electronics, RTA may require proof of ownership before release.
Every recovered item is handled securely, and all claims are verified before handover to ensure privacy and safety.
Key takeaways
Reporting a lost item in Dubai is easier than most people expect. The RTA Lost and Found system runs around the clock and handles thousands of successful recoveries each year, from misplaced phones to forgotten passports.
The process is free, simple, and can be started through a quick call, the S’hail app, or an email. Acting quickly constantly improves your chances of recovery, especially if you have your taxi receipt or vehicle details readily available.
Most items are returned within days, and many even within hours. Whether you collect the item yourself or request delivery to your house at standard taxi fare, RTA ensures the process stays quick, transparent, and reliable.
It’s a system built on trust – and one that highlights the honesty of Dubai’s drivers and the city’s commitment to efficient public service.
FAQs
You can call 800 9090 or use the S’hail app under Feedback → Dubai Taxi Lost and Found. Include your taxi number and trip details.
No, there is not; the service is free. A standard taxi fare applies if you choose delivery.
Provide detailed information and proof of ownership. RTA will verify details before returning them.
Most items are recovered within three to ten days, though many cases are resolved within hours.
Call 800 9090 or visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre. Metro station staff can also assist in filing reports.
