There are over 12,000 registered taxis smoothly changing lanes all over Dubai. And there are six primary colours on the roofs of these taxis – red, blue/purple, green, yellow, orange and pink. These colours on the taxi roof gives us a little more insight into the kind of taxi it is.
Before we dive into what each colour means, it is important to note that the taxis may differ in colour but they follow the same meter rules. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) regulates the private taxis in the Emirates and ensures that the same price structure remains.
Each denotes the operating private or public company behind the cars. Here’s which company owns each.
What does the red roof taxi mean?
The red roof taxis are probably the one you’ve seen most commonly. The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), the primary arm of the RTA, owns this fleet. This is the largest fleet of taxis in Dubai and originated in the year 1995, making it the oldest.
They are equipped with the latest tracking systems and meters. You are most likely to get this taxi, while booking through DTC or Careem.
You can book one by calling 80088088 or using the DTC or Careem app.
Blue or purple roof colours in taxis
A significantly large fleet size, the Kabi group owns the blue roof taxis. They were formerly called Cars Taxi and have been around since 2000. The fleet currently uses fully hybrid cabs and move more than 150,000 passengers across the United Arab Emirates daily. They offer petrol as well as hybrid models in their fleet. The blue-roof fleet is very popular in Bur Dubai, Deira and near the Sheikh Zayed Road.
In recent news, Kabi has revealed that it’s changing its iconic blue-roof taxis into purple (or violet). This is to fully realign and rebrand with its parent company, Al Ghurair.
You can book one by calling 042693344 or using the Careem app.
Green roof taxis
The green taxi roofs are a medium-sized fleet which is relatively newer. Arabia Taxi owns this 2005 fleet and originally started with 500 taxis only. Since then, their taxi fleet has almost doubled. True to its name, they focus on giving back to the environment.
They are currently working towards becoming more eco-conscious by using environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles. The Roads and Transport Authority is helping them achieve the goal. These cars are majorly moving in Al Nahda, Al Qusais and around major parks in the city.
You can book this fleet by calling 042851111 or using the Careem app.
What do yellow roof taxis signify?
The National Taxi LLC runs the yellow-roofed taxis since 2000. They started their business with just 50 vehicles and have now expanded to approximately 1,700 vehicles now.
One notable feature of the yellow-roofed taxi is that they are functional in Dubai and Abu Dhabi both. People who are travelling between the two Emirates prefer this car with its fare meters and real-time trip tracking.
You can book this fleet by calling 043390002 or using the Careem app.
Orange roof taxis
The least spotted fleet in the city is the orange-roofed taxi. They belong to the Metro Taxi LLC and have been operational since 2000. These taxis are usually visible in areas close to the metro stations – owing to their collaboration with the Dubai Metro.
They serve all Dubai zones, including the outskirts. Although a smaller fleet size compared to others, they offer exceptional service.
You can book this fleet by calling 042673222 or using the Careem app.
Female-operated pink roof taxis
Perhaps the most unique of them all, the pink roof taxis cater to a specific audience. The DTC operates this fleet of taxis and they are lesser in number. The pink roof taxis are only for female passengers or kids. And the best part? They are exclusively driven by women.
These cars are ideal for mothers with kids or solo female travellers. Most popular in schools, residential complexes and malls, they are taxis that are operated by ladies, for ladies.
You can book this fleet by calling 80088088 or using the Careem or DTC app.
