Ultimate Guide To Taxis In Dubai — What Do Different Colours Represent?

Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, and efficient public transportation system. Among the various modes of transport available, taxis remain a popular choice for both residents and tourists. This ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about Dubai taxis, from their history and types to booking methods and fare details.

The history of taxis in Dubai dates back to the 1950s when private car owners started offering rides for a fare. Over the decades, the city saw rapid development, leading to the establishment of formal taxi services. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), formed in 2005, has since overseen the regulation and expansion of taxi services, ensuring a standardized and efficient system.

In the past, Dubai’s taxi services were provided by multiple companies with varying standards and fares, causing confusion among passengers. The RTA unified these services under a single regulatory framework, improving service quality, fare consistency, and passenger safety. This unification also allowed for the integration of advanced technologies like GPS tracking and cashless payment options.

In Dubai, taxis are operated under the supervision of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and while all taxis have a uniform beige body colour, the roof colour varies and signifies the different franchises and specific services they provide. Here’s what each roof colour means:

Red Roof: Operated by Dubai Taxi Corporation, these are the standard taxis widely available across the city. The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) operates the largest fleet of taxis in Dubai. 

Yellow Roof: Run by National Taxi, these taxis are also standard and offer the same services as the red-roof taxis. National Taxi was one of the first private taxi companies to start operating in Dubai, established in 2000.

Blue Roof: Operated by Cars Taxi, another franchise providing standard taxi services in the city. Cars Taxi is notable for its eco-friendly initiatives, being the first taxi company in the UAE to introduce hybrid vehicles in its fleet back in 2008.

Green Roof: These are run by Al Arabia Taxi, part of the standard fleet available throughout the city. Al Arabia Taxi is popular among the local Emirati population and expatriates alike, thanks to their customer-focused approach and punctuality.

Orange Roof: Operated by Metro Taxi, providing regular taxi services similar to other franchises. Metro Taxi has a history of collaboration with the Dubai Metro, providing integrated travel solutions and easy connectivity between different modes of transport.

Pink Roof: These are dedicated Ladies and Families Taxis. The drivers are women, and they cater specifically to female passengers, families, and children, providing a more comfortable and secure option.

Dubai’s taxi fleet primarily consists of sedans and SUVs. These body styles are popular due to their versatility, comfort, and ability to accommodate passengers and luggage efficiently. Some of the most popular car models used as taxis in Dubai include:

Taxis in Dubai also include some cars specially designed for passengers with disabilities. These taxis are equipped with wheelchair access and other necessary features.

Taxi fares are standardized and regulated by the RTA. The following are the key fare details:

Airport taxis in Dubai are available at all terminals of the International Airport. The fare details for airport taxis are as follows:

Booking a taxi in Dubai is easy via phone. You can call the RTA’s Customer Service Centre at +971-4-208-0808. Provide your location details and a taxi will be dispatched to your address promptly.

Dubai’s RTA has partnered with popular ride-hailing apps to offer convenient taxi booking:

Dubai’s taxi services offer a variety of payment methods to ensure convenience for all passengers. Here are the different payment options available:

This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the necessary information to navigate Dubai’s taxi services efficiently and enjoy a comfortable travel experience in the city.

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