Why Do Dubai Taxis Have Different Coloured Roofs?

The public transportation system in Dubai is one of the most refined in the world. The government has made varying efforts to make navigation more accessible and convenient for the residents and tourists, connecting each and every corner of the emirate seamlessly. And among the many modes of transportation that people of the city rely on for commuting, a major one is the Dubai taxi.

Now, even though the taxi network is extremely sophisticated, it can get a bit overwhelming to understand the nuances of which one to avail for a tourist or someone who is moving to Dubai for the first time. This confusion stems generally from the different coloured roofs that the Dubai taxis have.

This is where we come to your aid. In this all-inclusive Dubai taxi guide, we are going to run you through all the different coloured roofs of Dubai taxis to help you understand which one you need to hail. Additionally, we are also going to look at their fleet size and where you can book these taxis from. But first, let us begin with the history of these taxis. 

History of Dubai Taxi

Before we get into where we currently are, it will help you to return to the past where it all began. The history of Dubai taxis can be traced back to the 1950s when many of the private car owners in the city started offering rides for a fare as an additional source of income. Over the next few years, rapid development in the city led to the establishment of official and formal taxi services.

Eventually, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) was formed in 2005 as an official governmental body to oversee the planning and execution of traffic and transport projects in the city. It was also responsible for laying out the strategic and legislative plans for transportation in the city. Naturally, it also took the regulation and expansion of taxi services under its wing as well.

With private ownership of the taxis back then, there were varying standards and fares, which was extremely confusing and inconvenient for the passengers. RTA stepped in and helped unify the taxi services under a single umbrella regulatory framework. In the process, significant improvements were seen in fare consistency, service quality, and passenger safety. 

Taxi services in Dubai became more reliable. Over the last few years, digital advancement allowed the seamless integration of modern technologies of cashless payment options and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to be adopted. Today, Dubai taxi services are one of the most relied-upon modes of transportation in the city, standing as a lifeline for thousands of commuters every day. 

Dubai Taxi Roof Colours Meaning and Fleet Size

With over 12,000 registered taxis under its belt, the Dubai taxi service has one of the most intriguing features that sets it apart from the taxi services of most other places in the world – the coloured roofs. If you have walked down the streets of Dubai, you will notice different coloured roofs, ranging from red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink, throughout the city. 

These colours are not just a random assortment but denote the operating franchise behind the cars. Even though the fares remain consistent and are regulated across the board, the difference in the colours of the roofs of the taxis helps passengers understand their route and operating features. 

Introduced in the late 2000s, the coloured-roof system for Dubai taxis replaced the old model wherein different companies operated different-looking taxis. In stark contrast, all taxis in Dubai today have the same sand-coloured base, with the only notable difference being the colour of the roof.

This is of huge help for passengers and officials to identify which operator to seek in the event of forgetting items in their vehicle. Additionally, it is also seen as a smart branding system for each franchise. Irrespective of the difference in the colours of the roofs, all taxis in Dubai are approved by the RTA and follow the same meter rules. 

Here is a breakdown of the structure of the Dubai taxi system.

Let us now take a closer look at these coloured taxis in Dubai. 

Red Roof Dubai Taxi: Dubai Taxi Corporation

Having the largest fleet, the red-roof taxis are the most common type of taxis you will spot on the streets of Dubai. They are operated by the DTC, which is the primary arm of RTA. 

You will most likely be matched with a red-roofed taxi when you are trying to book a ride through a DTC app or the Careem app. Equipped with advanced tracking systems and the latest meters, red-roofed taxis also provide Hala Taxi integration for convenient bookings through apps. 

With trained drivers, the vehicles are thoroughly maintained through the internal network of DTC. Their widespread availability is the main reason why most people end up in a red-roofed taxi while hailing a cab. 

Notable Features

• Largest fleet
• Operated directly by the RTA’s own unit
• Priority in bookings made via the DTC app

Booking Info

• Phone - 800 88088
• Apps - DTC app or Careem

Blue Roof Dubai Taxi: Cars Taxi in Dubai

Cars Taxi became the first official franchised taxi company in Dubai to operate under the RTA system. Their distinct blue-coloured roofed taxis have been functional since the beginning of the new millennium and are a major part of the taxi fleet of the city. They have petrol as well as hybrid vehicles, making them more eco-friendly.

In 2008, they became the first private taxi companies in the emirate to introduce hybrid vehicles. These taxis are also extremely common, especially in prime areas such as Bur Dubai, Deira, and in and around the Sheikh Zayed Road. 

They are functional in other emirates as well. You can expect the same meter system and fare in blue-roofed taxis as in any other RTA cab, with the only difference being the operator behind the wheel.

Notable Features

• Operated by Cars Taxi Group
• Known for consistent driver ratings
• Bookable through Careem
• Hybrid vehicle options are available

Booking Info

• Phone - 04 269 3344
• App - Careem

Green Roof Dubai Taxi: Arabia Taxi Dubai

Being part of the Dubai taxi fleet since 2005, the green-roofed taxis in Dubai are operated by Arabia Taxi. As evident by their name, green-roofed taxis are heavily focused on giving back to the environment by relying on cleaner emissions and hybrid cars. 

Their principles align with the broader green transport goals of the city. They started their operation with just around 500 vehicles but have doubled their original fleet since then. They can be spotted majorly in Al Nahda, Al Qusais, and major parks of the city.

Their punctuality, customer-focused approach, and sustainable beliefs have made them extremely popular among locals and tourists. Additionally, they are fitted with all mandatory RTA features, such as fair fare meters, cameras, and customer support tools, among others.

Notable Features

• Environmentally friendly focus
• Operates fully under RTA pricing guidelines
• Covers all of Dubai, including residential zones
• Moderate-sized fleet

Booking Info

• Phone - 04 285 1111
• App - Careem

Yellow Roof Dubai Taxi: National Taxi Service

Yellow-roofed taxis in Dubai have been run by National Taxi since 2000. Having started their business with just 50 vehicles, they have massively expanded to have a fleet of over 1,700 vehicles at present. 

Operating under the RTA guidelines, they incorporate all modern features in their tech and safety departments. These cars can be frequently spotted in residential and urban areas. As they are regulated by the RTA, you can rest assured that you will be charged the same fare as in any other coloured-roofed taxis in the city.

A notable exception to yellow-roofed taxis than most others on this list is that they are functional in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As such, they are preferred by those travelling between the two emirates. Each car has integrated fare meters and a real-time trip-tracking system. Their drivers are trained under the same system as the DTC and Cars Taxi mechanism, thereby ensuring uniform service and safety standards. 

Notable Features

• A fleet of more than 1,700 cars
• Available across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Managed by National Taxi LLC
• Accepts Hala Taxi and Careem bookings

Booking Info

• Phone - 04 339 0002
• App - Careem

Orange Roof Dubai Taxi: Metro Taxi Fleet

Orange-roofed taxis have a distinct route and operational purpose, which explains why they are among the least spotted coloured-roofed taxis in the city. Belonging to the Metro Taxi, they have been operational since 2000. 

Their rich history of collaboration with the Dubai Metro enables them to offer integrated travel solutions and quick connectivity between varied modes of transportation. These taxis are seen in areas that are close to a metro station. 

The quality of service, interior design, and tracking system all adhere to the tech requirements of RTA. As such, you can expect the same level of reliability as in other coloured-roofed taxis in the city. Despite their small fleet, they remain highly active and trustworthy.

Notable Features

• Operated by Metro Taxi LLC
• Available via Careem
• Serves all Dubai zones, including the outskirts
• Smaller fleet size compared to others

Booking Info

• Phone - 04 267 3222
• App - Careem

Pink Roof Dubai Taxi: Women-only Taxi by DTC

Regarded as one of the most appreciated taxi service options in the city, the pink-roofed cabs are designed exclusively for women and children. To make it safer, all drivers of pink-roofed taxis are women. These taxis are operated by DTC and have been introduced to bring in more security, privacy, and comfort.

They are highly in demand despite their small fleet as many female commuters rely on them for daily travel. These taxis are ideal for mothers with kids and solo female travellers, and they are usually requested at schools, residential complexes, and malls.

The drivers of pink-roofed taxis are thoroughly trained in customer care, navigation, and safety. Therefore, you can expect universal service in them as in any other coloured-roofed taxi in the emirate. These taxis are for the ladies and by the ladies. 

Notable Features

• For female passengers and children only
• Exclusively driven by women
• Full RTA regulation and safety standards
• Available through the DTC app or Careem

Booking Info

• Phone - 800 88088
• App - DTC or Careem

What is a Hala Taxi? 

‘Hala’ in Arabic translates to ‘Hello’ or ‘Welcome’. So, its name seems fitting for the kind of service it provides on the go. Hala Taxi is a specific type of standard taxi service in Dubai, operated by the RTA. In contrast to popular belief, it is not a new or separate type of vehicle or brand. 

It is essentially a digital booking platform which is integrated into the Careem app. It allows passengers to book rides and pay through the app and avoid cash payments.  When you book a Hala Taxi, it connects you to the nearest RTA-approved taxi, irrespective of the colour of its roof. It was created in 2019 as a joint effort from RTA and Careem to make taxi services quicker and more efficient. 

Please note that Hala Taxi doesn’t have its own set of fleet. It connects you to a red, blue, yellow, green, or other RTA taxi that is nearby. It has become popular because it offers a convenient way to book taxis instead of waiting for one on the street. 

How Much is a Hala Taxi in Dubai? 

Your fare in a Hala Taxi in Dubai will depend on the distance you travel, what time of the day you are hailing the cab, and how you have booked the ride. These taxis are metered and regulated by the RTA, ensuring a fair fare system. Typically, a ride in a Hala Taxi starts from AED 12 if you book it through an app. 

How to Book a Dubai Taxi with a Specific Roof Colour?

If you want to book a particular coloured-roofed taxi in Dubai, you can opt for hotlines and apps to improve the chances of getting your preferred choice. The Careem app doesn’t allow you to select the colour of the roof, though. But many passengers look for a specific colour, whether due to past good experience, easier availability in the neighbourhood, or language comfort. 

Those looking for a pink-roofed taxi should book through the DTC app since it gives them more control. The same is true for red-roofed taxis as they respond quicker through their official app and number. For other cabs, calling their operators’ hotline increases your odds of getting your preferred car. 

Here is a detailed table of booking information for all types of roofed taxis in Dubai.

To Conclude

Ever since the taxis in Dubai were regulated by the RTA, they were assigned a different coloured roof depending on their owner and purposes. With the diverse set of options available for passengers, the Dubai taxi fleet is one of the most reliable modes of public transportation in the city. 

Easy booking options through hotlines and apps, a heavy focus on quality services, and standardized safety measures have made each of the coloured-roofed taxis extremely popular. Whether you want to hop to the metro station or prefer an eco-friendly vehicle option, whether you are a female looking for a female cab driver or someone who wants to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there is a specific taxi option for you across the city.

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you get acquainted with the different coloured-roofed taxis in Dubai and that you now have better knowledge about their functionalities and booking systems. So, sit back and enjoy your ride to your preferred destinations with these amazing taxi services. 

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about Dubai Taxis

How many colours of taxi roofs are there in Dubai?

There are six main colours of taxi roofs operating in Dubai: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink. Each of them is operated by a different company and serves a distinct purpose, even though they are all regulated by the RTA. 

Do Dubai taxi roof colours affect the fare?

No, the colour of the roof of a taxi in Dubai doesn’t affect the fare since all of them are regulated by the RTA and follow the same standardized fare structure. The different colours only refer to their specific taxi operator or franchise. 

What does the roof light on a taxi mean?

The roof light on a taxi in Dubai refers to whether it is available for hire or not. If the light is on, it means the taxi is vacant and looking for passengers. If the light is off, it means the taxi is occupied or unavailable for hire.

How do you complain about a taxi driver in Dubai?

If you want to complain about a taxi driver in Dubai, you can reach out to the RTA Call Centre at 800 9090 or send an email to ask@rta.ae or customers.happiness@dtc.gov.ae. You can even head to their official website or social media accounts to address your grievances. 

How can I contact each taxi company directly?

To contact each taxi company in Dubai directly, you can reach out to their main number at 800 88088 or use their mobile app. You can also call the RTA Call Center at 04 208 0808 for the RTA-licensed taxis.