If you live in Dubai, you’ve probably seen messages like, “Your red-roof Toyota Camry is on the way.” With over 12,000 taxis around the city, these colorful roofs are everywhere. But have you ever wondered what those colors mean? Why does one taxi have a red roof while another has a green one? Let’s break it down.
The History of Dubai Taxi Colors
Dubai’s taxis didn’t always look the same. Years ago, different private companies ran them, each with its own look. In the late 2000s, the decision was made to standardize the taxis with a sand-colored body and different roof colors to show which company operates them. This way, all taxis look uniform, but you can still tell them apart by the roof color. This system makes it easier for passengers and officials to identify the company in case of a lost item or a complaint.
Why Are There Different Roof Colors?
All taxis in Dubai are under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), but they are managed by different private companies. The roof color varies by company, but the fare rates are the same, ensuring a consistent experience for passengers.
What Each Color Means
Red Roof: Dubai Taxi Corporation
The red roof taxis are from the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), part of the RTA. These are the most common taxis in Dubai. To book a red roof taxi, you can call 800 88088, use the DTC app, or the Careem app.
Blue Roof: Cars Taxi
Cars Taxi, the first franchised company to run taxis in Dubai, uses blue roofs. They’ve been around since April 2000 and use both petrol and hybrid vehicles. To book a blue roof taxi, call 04 269 3344 or use the Careem app.
Green Roof: Arabia Taxi
Arabia Taxi started in 2005 with 500 taxis and now has almost double that number. These taxis are known for their eco-friendly hybrid vehicles and have green roofs. To book, call 04 285 1111 or use the Careem app.
Yellow Roof: National Taxi
National Taxi, operating since 2000, uses yellow roofs. They started with 50 taxis and now have over 1700, serving both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To book a yellow roof taxi, call 04 339 0002 or use the Careem app.
Orange Roof: Metro Taxi
Metro Taxi, with its orange roofs, has a smaller fleet compared to others. You can book these taxis by calling 04 267 3222 or using the Careem app.
Pink Roof: Women’s Taxi
Pink roof taxis are part of the Dubai Taxi Corporation. These taxis, driven by women, are for women passengers or women with children. They offer a secure and comfortable ride. To book a pink roof taxi, call 800 88088 or use the DTC app.
Benefits of Color-Coded Taxis
The color-coded roof system in Dubai offers several benefits:
- Easy Identification: Passengers can easily tell which company operates the taxi by its roof color.
- Uniform Appearance: All taxis look consistent and professional.
- Simplified Complaints and Lost Items: Identifying the taxi by its roof color makes it easier to address issues.
Dubai’s colorful taxi roofs aren’t just for show; they help make the city’s transportation system efficient and effective. Whether you’re hailing a taxi on the street or booking through an app, now you know what each color means and can choose your ride accordingly.
For more details or to book a ride, use the contact numbers or apps mentioned for each taxi company. Safe travels!
Also read: Gatsby Dubai: A Taste Of The Roaring Twenties Is Coming This August!
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