British residents of Abu Dhabi – and British visitors too – should feel a little closer to home soon, with the planned introduction by Al Qudra of a small fleet of specially-modified London taxis, even if they are pearl-white, not black. The taxis, described in a press release as being “luxurious ‘London Taxi’ style limousine cars”, will be operated by Q-link Transport, Al Qudra’s transportation arm. They will work on a ‘call on demand’ basis and will transport passengers to any point within the United Arab Emirates.

According to Q-link Transport’s General Manager, Al Hadi Tahboub, “in addition to their lavish and spacious interiors, the new cars have been assembled to meet Gulf standards and specifications. Ideal for both tourists and residents, the vehicles are equipped with all the comforts a prestigious taxi service should provide and more. Built-in flat screen televisions will provide tourist information and explain the attractions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

The taxis are being purchased from Coventry-based LTI (London Taxis International), part of the Manganese Bronze Holdings group.

“LTI is extremely pleased to have won this latest contract to supply London taxis to Abu Dhabi”, John Russell, CEO of Manganese Bronze Holdings, told Capital Letter.

“LTI is the largest British-owned automotive manufacturer in the UK and is proud of its record as an exporter of what is recognised as a truly iconic product. We are looking forward to developing a long-standing relationship with Al Qudra, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the Emirates, where we know there is a long term commitment to building a business relationship with Britain.”

“We recognise that visitors from the Emirates are always keen to make the best use of LTI taxis when in the UK and we are pleased that, as a result of this deal, this quintessentially British symbol will now be available to them on their return home,” Russell said.

Capital Letter hopes that the drivers will be given a local version of the London taxi-drivers’ test, ‘The Knowledge’, so that they know their way around!

The announcement of Al Qudra’s deal with LTI was made shortly before Abu Dhabi launched a complete restructuring of its public taxi system. The existing green, gold and white taxis, owned by individual UAE citizens, are being phased out over the next couple of years, being replaced by fleets of ply-for-hire taxis to be run by companies that are awarded licences by Government. It is planned that owners of the original individual taxi licences will surrender their licences in exchange for a long-term regular payment. Special limousine taxi services, such as that to be launched by Al Qudra, will operate separately.