Dubai Taxi Colours Explained – Which Taxi Should Tourists Use?

Dubai has become a tourist hub that is full of colour, not only because of the vast diversification of culture but also when it comes to the taxi that are used. If you plan to visit Dubai, you will see that all taxi have the same yellow classic colour, but their rooftops come in different variations. In this article we want to go over each colour of the taxi rooftops on Dubai, what they represent and most importantly which ones would fit you the best if you visit.

A big myth that is going around and had been started by tourists is that different colours of taxi come at different price points and this is entirely not true. What is true is that different coloured taxi can be found in different zones of the city, and offer special features to suit everyone.

Red Roof Taxis

These are the most common taxis in Dubai. They belong to Dubai Taxi Corporation which is also the biggest in Dubai. For this reason, you will most likely see them everywhere. One interesting fact about these is they are the only colour that can actually park at the departure bay at the DXB airport. The other taxi are allowed to enter the departure zone, but they are not allowed to station in that particular zone.

Yellow Roof Taxis

Dubai’s Yellow roof taxis are from National Taxi, this also makes them very common. They are easy to find all around the city and they have been the first taxi to exist in Dubai since it’s creation and modernization. Nothing special about them sadly, just a regular old and reliable taxi. But please keep in mind that there is no price difference in any of the colours, the price is the same for all that will be mentioned in the colour. The only factor that determines the price of a trip is the distance and time it takes.

Green Roof Taxis

Dubai’s Green taxis are run by Arabia Taxi. What makes them stand out is that all of the cars are either electric or hybrid, making them eco friendly for the environment.

Orange Roof Taxis

These belong to Dubai Metro Taxi. Now do not get confused as they have nothing to do with the actual metro, but they always hang around metro stations or even larger bus stations and even tram stations. What is interesting about taxi in Dubai in general is the fact that they use over 5 popular apps from where they can be ordered, or you can just simply wave at them on the street. Orange taxi are a rare gem because there are only a few so if you see one, consider yourself lucky.

Pink Roof Taxis

Dubai’s Pink taxis are really special. What makes them stand out is the fact that they are only driven by women drivers and either other women or families can ride on them. These taxis have been made for female passengers to feel safe. Not that Dubai is not safe, it is actually one of the safest places on Earth, but the comfort that a woman has when driver by another woman cannot be explained.

Blue and Purple Roof Taxis

If you have been to Dubai before you would know that Blue taxi were quite common, but now they have become a rarity and this is because they are slowly being replaced by purple taxis. They are part of the same company, but with a new approach to modernize their fleet of taxi. They are usually more modern cars, much newer but they still come at the same price.

Black and White Hala Taxis

These are the most different types of cars when it comes to taxi in Dubai as they are the comfort category. All taxi in Dubai and the ones described above are more comfortable than the conventional taxi we see around the world, but this category is just a bit above the norm. The colour on those are either all full white or black with no actual spray paint representing that it is a taxi cab.

It is true that Dubai’s Black and White Hala taxi can be a little bit more expensive, but maybe by a maximum of 10% compared to the rest. Usually, the drivers are a lot more professional, suited up and offering water for free on the ride.

Quick Tips for Tourists

Please remember that all companies and colours focus on the comfort and safety of the passenger and apart from the Black and White, they all come at the same price point. For an easier overview please check the table below.

For more information on taxi please do not forget to check the rest of the articles on our blog.