On more than one occassion recently I've jumped in a karwa taxi in the evening, arrived at my destination and they've tried to charge me crazy amounts! Are they allowed to legally pick people up and NOT switch the meter on???? 

I travelled from Al Waab to West Bay, and the guy wanted 80QR!!! I nearly didn't pay him anything for taking the piss so badly!! He was angry I ONLY gave him 40QR....these guys are walking a thin line and will get in trouble soon. 

In a London taxi, if they don't switch on the meter, there is no charge. Simple.