The Reason Dubai Taxi Roofs Are Different Colours (And What Each One Means)

Why a red, yellow or blue roof matters more than you think

There are more than 12,000 taxis all over Dubai, whisking passengers from A to B with brightly coloured roofs. But have you ever wondered if each colour means something different? In this guide, we’ll decode those colours and explain exactly what each Dubai taxi roof represents.

It’s time to decode those colours and tell you exactly what each of those Dubai taxi roofs mean.

Dubai taxis used to look like this (Credit: Supplied)

Dubai taxis weren’t always this uniform. Originally, different private companies operated their own fleets, resulting in a variety of car appearances. In the late 2000s, the RTA decided to standardize the body colour of all taxis to sand, keeping only the roof colour to distinguish the company. This helped passengers and officials identify taxis, especially in cases of lost items or complaints. Despite the different colours, all RTA-affiliated taxis use the same fare rates.

Red Roof Dubai Taxi Company:

A fleet of DTC taxis with red roofs (Credit: Facebook @DTCUAE)

The red-roofed taxis are the most common in Dubai. Operated by Dubai Taxi Company, these vehicles are a subsidiary of the RTA and make up the majority of taxis on the road. Passengers can easily recognize these red roofs across the city.

Blue Roof Kabi

SKY Cars Taxi — Dubai taxi roofs are blue for Kabi taxis (Credit: Cars Taxi/Kabi)

Blue-roofed taxis belong to Kabi, formerly known as Cars Taxi. Kabi was the first franchised taxi operator in Dubai and operates a hybrid fleet. The company is gradually phasing out blue roofs, replacing them with purple ones to reflect its updated branding.

Purple Roof Kabi (Rebranded)

Purple-roofed taxis will gradually replace blue taxis in Dubai (Credit: ITP Media)

The purple-roofed taxis are part of Kabi’s rebrand. Sometimes referred to as “violet” in booking apps, the purple colour represents innovation, human connection, and recognition. These taxis are fully hybrid and redesigned from the inside out.

Green Roof Arabia Taxi

Arabia taxi roofs are green (Credit: Facebook @arabiataxi.dubai)

Arabia Taxi entered the Dubai market in 2005 with 500 taxis. Today, the fleet has nearly doubled. Arabia Taxi focuses on eco-friendly hybrid vehicles while providing smooth and reliable service for passengers.

Yellow Roof National Taxi

Dubai taxi roofs are yellow for National Taxi branded cabs (Credit: National Taxi)

Yellow-roofed taxis belong to National Taxi, which operates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Starting with 50 vehicles, the fleet has grown to over 1,700. The yellow roofs make them easily identifiable across the Emirates.

Orange Roof Metro Taxi

Dubai taxi roofs are orange for Metro Taxi branded cabs (Credit: Supplied)

Orange-roofed taxis are operated by Metro Taxi and have a smaller fleet compared to others. These taxis are part of the RTA franchise and can be booked just like any other taxi.

Pink Roof Women’s Taxi

SKY Dubai Taxi Company Pink — Dubai taxi roofs: The pink colour on the roof of DTC cabs with women drivers (Credit: Facebook @DTCUAE)

Pink-roofed taxis are part of Dubai Taxi Company and are specifically for women and families. All drivers in this fleet are women, providing a safe and comfortable journey for female passengers.

What Is a Hala Taxi?

“Hala Taxi” is not a separate company. It is a booking platform by RTA and Careem, allowing passengers to book any RTA taxi, regardless of its roof colour.