Dubai’s taxi system is among the most advanced and reliable in the world, with more than 12,000 registered vehicles operating under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). One of its most recognisable features is the Dubai taxi roof colour scheme. Although all taxis share the same sand-coloured body, their roofs come in distinct shades that indicate the operating company and the specific service each vehicle provides.
This guide breaks down what each colour means, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate Dubai’s taxis with ease.
- History and Purpose of the Colour System
- Understanding Dubai’s Taxi Colour-Coding System
- Detailed Guide to Each Taxi Colour
- Fare Structure and Pricing
- How to Book and Select Your Preferred Taxi
- How Dubai’s Colour System Ensures Quality
- Practical Tips for Using Dubai’s Taxi System
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
History and Purpose of the Colour System
Dubai’s colour-coded roof scheme was introduced in the late 2000s to unify the taxi network.
Before this initiative, taxis across the city looked different, operated inconsistently, and often confused passengers. Standardising the cream-coloured body and introducing distinct roof colours transformed the system into one that was easy to recognise, regulate, and trust.
The colour system was designed to:
- Identify which company or franchise operates the taxi
- Help passengers instantly understand the taxi’s intended purpose
- Make lost items and complaints easier to report
- Allow passengers to choose taxis based on availability or preference
- Encourage healthy competition while maintaining city-wide safety and service standards
Understanding Dubai’s Taxi Colour-Coding System
Each colour represents a different operator and sometimes a different function. Below is a complete breakdown of every roof colour, its operator, features, and what makes it unique.
| Colour | Operator | Fleet Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) | ~9,500 (Largest) | Most common; available across the city and at Dubai International Airport |
| Yellow | National Taxi | 1,700+ | First taxi company established in Dubai; available for street hailing and booking |
| Green | Arabia Taxi | Large | Popular private operator with extensive fleet coverage |
| Blue | Cars Taxi | Moderate | Private operator offering standard and special needs-friendly taxis |
| Orange | Metro Taxi | Smallest | Rare fleet; operates across key locations in Dubai |
| Pink | DTC Women-Only Taxi | Small | Female drivers exclusively; designed for women and families |
| Purple | Kabi Taxi | Very Small | Dubai’s newest company; modern approach and practicality focus |
Detailed Guide to Each Taxi Colour
A closer look at what each colour means.
Red Roof – Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC)
Red-roof taxis belong to the Dubai Taxi Corporation and form the largest taxi fleet in the city.
These taxis are the most common across Dubai and are frequently seen at Dubai International Airport, residential areas, tourist hotspots, commercial zones, and shopping districts.
Key Features:
- Widely available and easy to find
- Strong presence at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Operated directly under the RTA
- Consistent quality and safety standards across the fleet
Booking Information:
- Hotline: 04 208 0808
- Apps: Careem, DTC App
Yellow Roof – National Taxi
National Taxi was Dubai’s first established taxi company and remains a core part of the network today.
With more than 1,700 vehicles, these taxis are familiar to long-term residents and are easily accessible through both street hailing and app-based booking.
Key Features
- First registered taxi company in Dubai
- Large fleet with good availability
- Offers both booking and hailing options
- Consistent service across many districts
Booking Information
- Hotline: 04 339 0002
- Apps: Careem
Green Roof – Arabia Taxi
Green-roof taxis belong to Arabia Taxi, one of Dubai’s strong private operators.
These taxis offer extensive coverage across residential clusters, business areas, suburban communities, and entertainment hubs.
Key Features
- Large private fleet
- Reliable services across the city
- Widely accessible in both central and outer areas
Booking Information
- Hotline: 04 267 7888
- Apps: Careem
Blue Roof – Cars Taxi
Cars Taxi is known for providing both standard vehicles and special needs-friendly options. Their commitment to accessible travel makes them an important part of Dubai’s inclusive transportation system.
Key Features
- Mid-sized private fleet
- Offers vehicles equipped for passengers with special needs
- Strong focus on service quality
Booking Information
- Hotline: 04 221 6161
- Apps: Careem
Orange Roof – Metro Taxi
Orange-roof taxis are the rarest in Dubai, operated by Metro Taxi.
Though their fleet is small, these taxis can be found in select spots around the city and remain fully regulated under the RTA.
Key Features
- Very small fleet
- Distinctive bright orange roofs make them easy to identify
- Operate in key locations throughout Dubai
Booking Information
- Hotline: 04 267 3222
- Apps: Careem
Pink Roof – DTC Women-Only Taxis
Pink-roof taxis are a dedicated women-only service operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation. These taxis are driven exclusively by female drivers and are designed specifically for women and families.
Key Features
- Female drivers only
- Ideal for solo women travellers
- Vehicle sizes are often larger to support families
- A popular choice among female residents and tourists
Booking Information
- Hotline: 800 88088
- Apps: DTC App, Careem, S’hail
Purple Roof – Kabi Taxi
Purple-roof taxis are operated by Kabi Taxi, the newest and smallest taxi company in Dubai. These taxis are rarely seen, making them somewhat of a novelty.
Key Features
- Newest operator in the city
- Small, exclusive fleet
- Modern and practical service approach
- Often considered a “lucky spot” when seen on the road
Fare Structure and Pricing
Dubai keeps taxi fares simple and fair across all colours. The colour of the roof has absolutely no impact on the fare. Every taxi in Dubai follows the same RTA-regulated pricing system, ensuring consistency and transparency.
Standard Fare Components (Across All Operators):
- Base Fare: A fixed starting fee
- Per-Kilometre Charge: The same rate per km across all operators
- Waiting Time Fee: Standard charges are applied when the taxi is stationary
Any price differences you may experience are due to:
- Booking platform fees from apps
- Minimum fare differences
- Peak-time surcharges (standardised across the city)
Roof colours never influence pricing.
How to Book and Select Your Preferred Taxi
You can choose your taxi through several convenient methods.
Direct Phone Lines
Each taxi company maintains a dedicated hotline. Calling directly gives you the best chance of securing the specific colour you prefer.
Mobile Apps
Dubai’s official and third-party apps make booking simple:
- Careem: Books taxis from multiple operators
- DTC App: Book red and pink taxis
- S’hail: Strong option for women-only pink taxis
Street Hailing
Street hailing remains extremely common in Dubai. Just look for the roof light:
- Light ON: Taxi is available
- Light OFF: Taxi is occupied/unavailable
Selecting Your Preferred Taxi
Passengers often choose taxis based on personal preferences, such as:
- Familiarity with a particular operator
- Proximity and availability in their neighbourhood
- Driver language and communication
- Women-only or accessibility requirements
How Dubai’s Colour System Ensures Quality
Although multiple companies operate within Dubai’s taxi network, every vehicle is regulated under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This unified system ensures that passengers enjoy the same level of safety, reliability, and transparency no matter which taxi they choose.
- Safety Compliance: Every taxi must adhere to the same safety requirements, regardless of the operating company.
- Driver Training: Drivers undergo standardised licensing and training to ensure consistent service quality.
- Vehicle Maintenance: All taxis follow strict inspection and maintenance schedules.
- Transparent Fares: Metering and pricing remain uniform across the entire fleet.
- Passenger Protection: Mandatory insurance policies safeguard riders in every vehicle.
Practical Tips for Using Dubai’s Taxi System
Maximise your Dubai taxi experience with simple tips for tourists, residents, women travellers, and passengers with special needs.
For Tourists and First-Time Visitors
- Red taxis are easiest to find
- Download Careem for quick bookings
- Ask hotel staff which taxi operators they recommend
- Check for taxi stands at major attractions
For Regular Residents
- Save the hotline numbers of your preferred operator
- Use specific apps depending on your needs
- Compare availability across different booking apps
For Women Travellers
- Pink taxis provide women-only travel with female drivers
- Ideal for solo travellers or families
- Greater privacy and comfort
For Accessibility Needs
- Blue taxis (Cars Taxi) offer special-needs-friendly vehicles
- Call ahead for specific accommodations
- Booking by phone increases availability
Key Takeaways
Dubai’s taxi roof colour system serves multiple purposes, primarily identifying the operating company and the specific function of each vehicle. The seven main operators – Red (DTC), Yellow (National Taxi), Green (Arabia Taxi), Blue (Cars Taxi), Orange (Metro Taxi), Pink (DTC Women-Only), and Purple (Kabi Taxi) – cater to different segments of Dubai’s transportation needs.
Despite the varying colours, fares remain uniform across all operators, following RTA-regulated pricing for base fare, per-kilometre charges, and waiting time costs.
The system also supports specialised services, with pink taxis providing women-only rides and blue taxis offering special needs-friendly vehicles, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to inclusive transport.
The colour coding simplifies identification, helps with reporting lost items or issues, and allows passengers to choose taxis based on personal preferences. Booking options are flexible, including direct hotlines, mobile apps such as Careem, DTC App, and S’hail, or traditional street hailing, with roof lights indicating availability.
FAQs
No, they don’t. The colour of a taxi’s roof does not affect fares.
You can book a specific taxi colour by calling the operator’s direct hotline or using their official app.
Pink taxis are women-only vehicles operated by the DTC, driven exclusively by female drivers, and designed for women and families. Purple taxis represent Kabi Taxi, Dubai’s newest taxi company, and are rare; spotting one is often considered lucky by passengers.
The colour-coded roof system was introduced in the late 2000s to unify and brand Dubai’s taxi services.
Red taxis are the most common on Dubai’s roads. Operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), they make up about 9,500 of the city’s 12,000+ taxis.
