For years, blue-roof taxis have been a common sight across Dubai’s roads. Now, they’re quietly retiring that signature look. The company behind the blue-roof fleet, formerly known as Cars Taxi, is transitioning to a new identity: Kabi. Along with the name change comes a fresh look—purple roofs will now top Kabi’s fleet across the city.
The change is gradual, but noticeable. For passengers used to booking a familiar blue-roofed ride, the next cab that pulls up might just look a little different.
What’s Changing—and Why?
Kabi’s decision to switch from blue to purple isn’t just cosmetic. It reflects a wider repositioning of the brand, which has been operating in the UAE since 2000. With over 110,000 trips made daily by the company, the shift aims to reflect a more modern, refined identity that aligns with how the brand sees its future role in the region.
Internally, the cars have also been updated. Riders will notice leather seating, enhanced interiors, and a generally smoother cabin experience—subtle changes designed to elevate the comfort and feel of each trip. This upgrade speaks to a broader vision of improving not just how people move, but how they feel while getting there.
The Meaning Behind the Purple Roofs
According to the company, purple isn’t a random choice. It was selected to represent ideas such as connection, innovation and customer care. It also happens to be the official colour of Al Ghurair, the group that owns Kabi, making the transition part of a larger effort to align branding across its ventures.
While some passengers booking via ride-hailing apps may see the vehicles listed as “violet,” Kabi has confirmed the intended colour is purple—a more consistent, bold hue that signals a new chapter for one of the UAE’s most recognisable fleets.
Rollout Is Already Underway
At the moment, over 4,000 purple-roof taxis are already in service across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, with more being introduced in stages. The company has not published a strict timeline for when all blue-roof taxis will be replaced, but the process is ongoing.
These newly branded vehicles are gradually becoming the norm, especially in high-traffic zones like business districts, airports, and residential hubs. So, if you haven’t spotted one yet, it’s likely only a matter of time.
Blue Roofs Hold a Special Place for Many
For long-time residents, the blue-roof taxis have become more than just a mode of transport. They’ve formed part of the visual identity of the city. From daily commutes to late-night drop-offs, many associate the colour with familiarity and convenience.
Yet, as Dubai evolves and brands innovate, such shifts are becoming part of the urban landscape. Kabi’s updated look is just one among several transformations happening across the city’s transport and mobility network.
What Passengers Can Expect From the New Experience
For those who frequently rely on taxis to get around, this change brings a subtle but welcome difference. Fare structures and booking methods remain unchanged, but the ride experience is getting a quiet boost.
Early passengers have noted more polished interiors, with updated seating, better cabin lighting, and overall improved vehicle condition. These enhancements may seem minor, but over time, they contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable journey—particularly for daily commuters and airport travellers.
Kabi keeps standard rates unchanged for purple-roofed cabs, letting passengers enjoy the upgrades at no extra cost. It’s all part of the company’s intention to modernise without disrupting regular service.
A Competitive Market That Keeps Evolving
Dubai’s taxi industry is known for being fast-moving and service-focused. With options like ride-hailing apps, premium limousine services, and government-regulated taxis all vying for passengers, innovation is no longer optional—it’s expected.
Kabi’s rebrand shows how companies are responding to these demands, not just through pricing or app integration, but by refining the physical and emotional experience of every ride. It’s no longer about just getting from point A to B—it’s about how you feel along the way.
This move also reflects a broader regional trend, where transport operators are investing in brand identity, customer loyalty, and long-term recognition—elements that play a key role in today’s experience-driven marketplace.
a Repaint: A Strategy for the Future
While the colour shift is what most passengers will notice first, it’s underpinned by a deeper business strategy. The rebrand to Kabi isn’t just a name change—it’s part of a calculated evolution aimed at staying relevant in a city that prizes service quality and forward-thinking solutions.
The branding aligns with values that are becoming increasingly important in urban mobility: reliability, comfort, consistency, and personalisation. Kabi’s leadership has expressed that the rebrand is just the beginning of more changes designed to benefit both drivers and riders in the long term.
The City Looks a Little Different Now
With purple cabs steadily appearing on roads that were once a sea of blue, Dubai’s streets are beginning to reflect this quiet transformation. It’s a visual cue that the city is not just growing—but upgrading.
For many, the shift from blue to purple may seem like a small detail. Planners and designers in Dubai carefully shape everything—from architecture to infrastructure—actively refreshing the city while preserving its identity.
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